The Capuchin Brothers gathered for the Lenten Proclamation and Thanksgiving Mass in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes, marking the beginning of our Lenten journey in a spirit of prayer and fraternity.
The morning session began with a meaningful reflection facilitated by Fr. Alberto S. Poblete, OFMCap., who delivered a powerful and inspiring talk. His sharing centered on the life of St. Francis and the depth of Franciscan spirituality, particularly the La Verna experience. His talk invites us to embrace prayer, sacrifice, in order to have a deeper union with Christ. The session formally concluded at 10:00 a.m., followed by snacks and fraternal fellowship.
At 10:30 a.m., the Eucharistic Celebration in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes was presided over by Fr. William Chang, OFMCap., General Councilor of the Pacific Asia capuchin Conference (PACC), with Rev. Evare Laborte, OFMCap. as homilist.
In his concluding message, Fr. William acknowledged the brothers’ generous service and commitment to the mission of the Order. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the brothers for their availability and warm welcome in the course his visit to different fraternities. Afterwards, Fr. Edgar S. Martinez, OFMCap. formally announced the beginning of the Lenten Season and shared the upcoming La Verna experience of the Post-Novice brothers. He also joyfully announced the arrival of brothers from Malaysia and Papua New Guinea, who will join two Filipino brothers for their 90-day retreat in preparation for their perpetual profession at La Verna Hermitage, Davila, Ilocos Norte.
May, the Lord Jesus give us His Spirit of peace, joy and hope as we renew ourselves in this meaningful season of lent, through the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.
