As the Church marked the 750th death anniversary of St. Bonaventure today, four novices in Baguio City, Philippines, embarked on a new chapter in their lives on July 15th, 2024. Br. Stewart Memendu Kerua, OFMCap., Br. Charlie Kolomoi, OFMCap., Br. Fredrick Vlolo, OFMCap., and Br. Matthew Apuda, OFMCap., all made their first profession of vows, officially becoming Capuchin friars.
The ceremony, held at St. Felix of Cantalice Novitiate, marked a culmination of their year-long novitiate program. Into the hands of Provincial Minister Br. Edgar Martinez, OFMCap., and in the presence of Br. Wilson Atienza OFMCap. and Br. Ferdinand Caparas, OFMCap., the newly professed friars committed themselves for one year to a life of “obedience, without anything of my own, and in chastity.”
This temporary profession is a significant step in their formation as Capuchin Franciscans. As the Capuchin Constitutions state, “the journey of formation undertaken in the post-novitiate must be the same for all the brothers… Since the gospel life in brotherhood holds the primary place in our vocation, it must also be given priority during this period.” (Art. III, 32:2).
This one year will be a time of continued discernment and growth for these brothers. Living in community with their fellow friars, they will deepen their understanding of the Capuchin way of life and further discern their call to serve God in this specific Order.
