2009 Novitiate Class

Presenting the 2009 Novitiate Class

On the morning of August 22, 2009 the Chapel at Saint Albert the Great Priory and Novitiate in Irving, Texas was filled with friars, members of the Dominican Family, friends and family members. They gathered to pray the Office of Lauds (Morning Prayer) and attend the reception and vestition of our four candidates into the Novitiate. The Vestition Ceremony marks the formal beginning of their novitiate year. During the ceremony the four brothers were clothed in the religious habit and welcomed to the Novitiate by fr. Martin J. Gleeson, O P and fr. Wilmo Candenado, OP their Novice Master. The novitiate is a time of intense prayer and study during which the novice experience the fullness of life and has the opportunity to reflect on his vocation. Throughout the year the novices study a number of topics including prayer, liturgy, Dominican history, spirituality and the Constitutions of the Order. Please join us in welcoming these new brothers with your good wishes and prayers.

1. Jeremy Hanzelka: Jeremy is 24 years old and the youngest of two brothers. Jeremy is from Arlington, Texas where his parents and brothers still reside. Before entering the Dominicans Jeremy worked repairing busses and cars as a Certified Automotive Technician.
   "I discovered the Dominicans while searching for religious orders online. I was particularly drawn to the Four Pillars of Dominican Life (prayer, community, study and preaching), and the example of St. Dominic. Some of my hobbies include modifying performance cars, video games and playing card"
2. Jose Orozco: Jose is 26 years old and is one of six children from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He graduated from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids Michigan. After college he worked for an insurance company as a field representative traveling throughout the country. Jose enjoys reading, travel, road trips and cooking.
   "I was attracted to the Dominicans because of its 800 year mission of preaching the Gospel for the salvation souls. The opportunity to preach the Gospel in the South and the cultural diversity of the brothers are what attracted me in particular to the Province of St. Martin de Porres."
3. Cristobal (Chris) Torres: A resident of Hollywood, Florida, Chris comes from a close-knit Cuban family.  is currently completing a Doctorate of Ministry in Hispanic/Latino Theology from Barry University in Miami Florida. While completing his degree he worked as a high school Spanish teacher and a part-time adjunct Theology professor at Barry University. In his spare time Chris enjoys going to movies, storytelling, illustrating and writing, and is a big pop culture buff, from music to film, graphic art, and comics.
   "I am looking forward to bringing all that I am to my Dominican brothers, and to sharing with and being enriched by my new Dominican family and the people of God."
4. Brian Thomas: A resident of Nashville, Tennessee, Brian is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University where he graduated with a BS in Political Science. Before entering the Dominicans he was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Community in Old Hickory, Tennessee. He was a Life Teen volunteer, and a Team Leader for my parish's RCIA program. The eldest of three children Brian enjoys reading, music, and will seize any opportunity to go white water rafting and camping.
   "I chose the Dominicans because I have a strong desire to seek God through study and contemplation, and I hope to share the fruits of that with the world around me."