Feast of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Celebrated in Local Fraternities
"The Feast of St. Pio of Pietrelcina was celebrated with great reverence in both Lipa City and Davao City. This annual event drew numerous devotees who gathered to honor the legacy of St. Pio, a beloved figure in the Catholic faith. In Lipa City, the Fraternity organized three Masses at the seminary gymnasium to accommodate a larger number of attendees."
The Bittersweet Result of Embracing the Cross of Christ
The celebration featured a knowledge-filled talk by Br. Jose Eduardo Mayo, OFMCap. Br. Mayo emphasized that St. Francis' experience in La Verna "stirred us to Christ's passion" and that the crucifix is "absolutely central to Christian identity, especially to Franciscan Spirituality."
Capuchins Rekindle Faith and Service in St. Bonaventure Celebration
Capuchins in the Philippines gathered to commemorate the life and legacy of St. Bonaventure. During the two-day celebration, they reflected on the Franciscan theologian's teachings on wisdom, prayer, and love, and renewed their commitment to serving the Church and the world.
Four New Capuchin Friars Begin Their Journey
On a day of historical significance for the Catholic Church, the 750th death anniversary of St. Bonaventure, four men in the Philippines embarked on a new chapter within their faith. Br. Stewart Memendu Kerua, Br. Charlie Kolomoi, Br. Fredrick Vlolo, and Br. Matthew Apuda, all committed themselves to becoming Capuchin friars through their first profession of vows. This ceremony, held on July 15th, 2024, marked the culmination of their year-long novitiate program at St. Felix of Cantalice Novitiate.
A year of seclusion and intense prayer
This intensive formation period allows these men to experience the Capuchin Franciscan way of life firsthand. As stated in the Capuchin Constitution, "the novitiate...requires a free and mature decision to try out our form of religious life" (Art. III, 31:1).