I belonged to the Capuchin order two decades ago. I was already a Star Wars fan as far as I can remember. Probably the reason why I joined the Capuchins is because it has a striking similarity with the Jedi order. For obvious reasons the hooded robe (Catholics call it "religious habit") is similar to that of the Jedi's hood. But unlike their fictional counterpart, the Capuchin Order existed for almost 500 years now.
I can't help but always connect the Capuchin order to the Jedi order. This I got to literally do last October 2021, when I took the Headshots of almost 40 Capuchin Friars from the Sacred Stigmata Province of New Jersey during the Provincial Chapter held at Beacon, New York. I took my lightsaber with me and asked who among the friars are fans of Star Wars, and who are willing to pose as a Jedi with the lightsaber. The Younger Friars were the one who took the challenge.
Amazingly enough, I never taught them how to pose. These poses are of their own, which made me convinced that they are indeed Star Wars fans.
I've been holding on to these photos since October but it is only now that I published it in celebration of Star Wars Day or the "May The 4th Be With You Day".
CAPUCHIN ASPIRANT BRO. SALACIO BALTAZAR
CAPUCHIN POSTULANT BRO. YOVANI SALAS
CAPUCHIN POST-NOVICE BRO. CHANDER WEBB
FR. PRAVEEN TURAKA OFM CAP
FR. PREM GARAPATI OFM CAP
