On 7 June 2025, three brothers made their perpetual profession of the Capuchin way of life: Brs. Roy S. Arasan, OFMCap, Kevin M. Dela Cruz, OFMCap, and Bruce Norman Paul D. Baclor, OFMCap. Their vows were received by Br. Edgar Martinez, OFMCap and witnessed by Brs. Jose Eduardo Mayo, OFMCap and Joel de Jesus, OFMCap.
In his homily prior to the actual profession, Br. Edgar reminded the Professandi that this day when they will be making a definitive commitment is the eve of Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Church. He thus urged the brothers to see themselves as the Order’s special gift to our Mother Church. He further implored upon the three that their lives ought to reflect true discipleship—lives freely offered towards incarnating the Good News of Jesus Christ through genuine obedience, voluntary poverty, and purity: this is the heart of our Capuchin Rule and Constitutions.
Touching on the readings, Br. Edgar pointed to the early Christian community as a family united in faith and love. Just as they shared everything, broke bread together, and prayed as one, Br. Edgar told the Professandi that as they join the brotherhood, they ought to allow the Eucharist and prayer as the force that binds the friars closely to one another, thereby making them a credible and visible sign of the Church’s unity. Br. Edgar offered the early Christian community’s trust in the risen Jesus and deep care for one another’s needs as the model on which to pattern the fraternity—a community that loves and supports each other steadfastly, even despite trials and scandals; it is their firm foundation upon Christ that kept them united and joyful even if they were individually imperfect.
Finally, Br. Edgar reminded the Professandi of Saint Francis’s original call to live the Good News. He pointed out Saint Francis, like how Christ instructed the rich young man, also instructed those who desired to join the Brotherhood to first return home, sell all their possessions, and only after to return in order to follow God wholeheartedly. With fraternal love in his voice, Br. Edgar reminded the Professandi that this same call was given to them when they first entered formation to Capuchin life: to leave everything behind so that God becomes their one treasure and true priority.
We rejoice today for sending us three new Capuchin friars who have committed themselves perpetually to the Order. As the Church had remained strong through the centuries, we are refreshed in hope and optimism that the Order and its Province in the Philippines will it remain vibrant because of brothers like Brs. Roy, Kevin, and Bruce who selflessly choose to dedicate their lives to the service of God in the steps of Saint Francis of Assisi. Let us pray that their journey will serve as an inspiration and encouragement for us all to live with faith, hope, and love.
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