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Solemn Profession

 

Friars Affirm that They are Called to Love and Sent to Serve by Making their Solemn Profession

 

2 May 2022, Bengaluru: Brs. Kasu Eliyas, Adarsh Yesudas, Alphonse Velankanni and Sujit Ganji made their Solemn Profession in the hands of Br. Praveen Henry D Souza, Minister Provincial on 2 May 2022 at St. Anthony’s Friary Church, Bengaluru. Coming from different parts of South India, with their perpetual pledge to follow the Rule and Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor - OFM, they have become members of the Universal Brotherhood.

This OFM Brotherhood was born 800 years ago in a smally town called Assisi because of one man called St. Francis of Assisi who dared to think differently. He proposed a new radical way of life with the Gospel-audacity to reinvigorate the Church and infuse the same with the renewed spirit that were so much wanting in the Church that day.

Walking towards the altar accompanied by the parents and family members, these brothers declared before the congregation when called upon to make the profession, “I am ready and willing.” Answering to the subsequent enquires from the Minister Provincial, they declared with full of courage, “I am so resolved” to follow Jesus Christ, to live the Holy Gospel, to observe the Rule of St Francis and the General Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor and to embrace the evangelical counsels of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience.

Br. Praveen Henry D Souza in his homily invited brothers, “to sustain in the inspiration of the lord so that you grow in your vocation as a friar minor. Hence, a life of prayer is indispensable and a non-negotiable aspect our life as Franciscans”. He further advised the brothers, “You solemnly declare today, “I profess the life and Rule of the Friars Minor, confirmed by Pope Honorius, and promise to observe it faithfully…”. The Rule of the Order of Friars Minor is this – to live the Holy Gospel. You promise today to observe it faithfully. Keep this promise always brothers!”

The whole flock of Friars of the Province of St Thomas the Apostle present in the Church welcomed these brothers with the fraternal hug in their midst. The presence of nearly 45 friars for the occasion filled the Church with sweet Franciscan fragrance.

Br. Praveen D Souza also reminded the brothers, “We are best when we live as a community of brothers and not otherwise. Faced with challenges of individualism, divisions, hatred, communalism, I believe the religious and Franciscans have a better solution for the struggling world. With your fraternal life of love and service, teach us brothers to be better brothers and sisters to one another.

The moment came for each brother to climb the altar of the Lord to kneel before the minister provincial and to place his hand in the hands of the minister provincial as a sign of the surrender and professed the commitment to live by the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Br. Praveen, Minister Provincial accepted their profession with an invitation, “…And if you find it necessary for the peace of your soul, or for your consolation, and you want to come to me, come, dear Brother, come…”

With the symbolic offerings of mud, plant, fruit of the earth and the Bread and Wine, they reminded themselves of their call and purpose of life. As the Eucharist continued, brothers received Jesus Christ anew as source of strength and inspiration for their life as solemnly professed members of OFM.

As the final blessing, brother received the typical Franciscan blessing, a part of which sounds thus, “May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.”

The community of St. Anthony’s and St. Thomas felicitated the newly professed members and gifted them a book each for their spiritual nourishment. The presence of the family members, neighbouring religious men and women, friends and benefactors added joy to the occasion.

Br. John Sekar
Secretary of the Province

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