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Brs Anthony Archer and Pradeep Anthony embrace the Franciscan Life Perpetually

3 May, 2023, Bengaluru: Br. Anthony Joseph Archer and Br. Pradeep Anthony having lived this Franciscan Religious Life for the last five years in temporary vows made a daring, worldly unpopular decision to commit themselves forever to the Order of Friars Minor to live as a Friar Minor. On 3 May 2023, during the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Br Saji Mathew, the Vicar Provincial, Brs. Anthony and Pradeep pronounced their solemn vows.

Accompanied by their parents and family members, they walked down the aisle as the Eucharist began. As Br. Naveen George, the Director of Formation presented them to Br. Saji Mathew to be admitted to the Order of Friars Minor, Brs. Anthony and Pradeep declared their decision in unison in these words, “I am ready and willing.” Br. Saji Mathew, in his homily appreciated and congratulated for the decision to be ready and willing to embrace this Franciscan life. Through his inspiring words, he explained the crux of the religious life as to how it is paradoxical – in dying that we live. Br. Saji Mathew also explained briefly the evangelical counsels, Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience and their implications in the modern-day world.

Having queried and ascertained their desire to follow the footprints of the Holy Father St. Francis to embrace the self-denial of Christ Jesus Our Lord, the intercessions of the Saints were sought as Brs. Anthony and Pradeep surrendered to the Lord in prostration. Ready and willing that they were, they knelt before Br. Saji Mathew. They gave their hands into his hands and proclaimed the Profession Creed solemnly. With the fraternal embrace from the friars present, they were admitted to the Order of Friars Minor.

Belonging to the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, India, these brothers have completed their first year of Theological Studies residing in St. Anthony’s Friary, Bengaluru. It was an emotional event too as Br. Sujith sought the blessings of his parents to renounce all personal ties to submit himself to the Lord to embrace the universal ties. Accompanied by a good number of Friar Priests and others, the Cardinal prayed for the Holy Spirit to anoint Br. Sujith and to raise him to the Order of Priesthood.

 

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