The Localized Renewal Experience 2020- Padre Pio Fraternity Davao(Renewal of Profession – Post Novices 2
Br. Roy Arasan, OFMCap.
Since all the Capuchin Postnovices could not gather together in CRC-Lipa for their annual Renewal Experience due to lockdowns and community quarantines, the brothers of Padre Pio Fraternity-Davao, through the initiative of their PN2 Director, Br. Francisco M. Atienza, OFMCap., decided to have their own three-day spiritual preparation form May 5 to 7 before the Renewal of Profession last May 8, 2020. Prior to this, they have been reading every evening the Constitutions of the Capuchin Friars Minor for them to be spiritually disposed as early as possible. The brothers who renewed their vows were Noel Damsus Gatulis, OFMCap.; Froilan C. Caslib, OFMCap.; Roel P. Andaya, OFMCap.; Loreto G. Masaglang, OFMCap. and Kevin M. Dela Cruz, OFMCap.
In their morning conference each day, they have reflected on the contents of the two reading materials provided by Br. Franz: “The Strength of Vocation” by Fernando Prado and the letter of the former General Minister of the Order Br. Mauro Johri, OFMCap– “Friars Minor Capuchin; Their Identity and Sense of Belonging.” There were also Scripture Passages for their reflections which expressed God’s call and one’s gratefulness for the gift of vocation. Particularly, the given themes for three days are the following; “remembering the past with gratitude,” “living the present with enthusiasm or passion,” and “looking at the future with hope.” More vocational insights were also added as they watched the films ‘Two Popes,’ ‘Ignatius de Loyola’ and “Call to the Wilderness.” It was truly a fruitful renewal experience for the brothers. In their evening Mass every day, each one would share his summarized reflection which consists of five sentences only. Then Br. Franz gave his homily.
On the evening of May 8, the five PN2 brothers renewed their vows in front of Br. Franz, who was also appointed as the official delegate of the Provincial Minister, Br. Eugenio Juanilo P. Lopez, OFMCap. Their witnesses were Br. Wilson C. Atienza, OFMCap and Br. Joenifer C. Ygonia, OFMCap. The Rite of Renewal took place after the Liturgy of the Word during the Mass and it was a very solemn one. Praise be to Our Lord for another year of perseverance in this Capuchin-Franciscan way of life!
