On the Feast of Saint Maximiliano Kolbe, August 14, 2023, the Provincial Custody of Saint Francis Anthony Fasani joyfully celebrated the mass of the first profession of vows for six novices. Friar Joseph TRẦN (Văn Long), Custos of the Provincial Custody, presided over the mass and received the vows. Friars Joseph NGUYỄN (Xuân Trường), a former seminary director and guardian of Saint Anthony Friary, came from Australia and gave the homily. Most of the friars in the Custody came for the Mass after having been gathered at the Community Week celebrated from 7 to 11 of August.
The newly professed friars are John NGUYEN (Van Luan), Peter MAI (Phuong Nam), John Baotixita TRINH (Van Thoan), Vincent VU (Duy Thang), John Baptist TRAN (Dinh Tuyen), Vincent NGO (Van Tuyen). Many Blessings to God for giving us these brothers.
The celebrations of the profession had been held at the church near Saint Anthony Friary in Ho Chi Minh City so far. This has been the first year, the celebration was held in the front yard of the Annunciation Friary. About 350 guests were present, most of whom were family members of the newly professed friars, the rest were members of the benefactors of the Custody and religious sisters and brothers close to the Annunciation Friary.
After the Mass, the participants were invited to stay for a fraternal lunch with the friars. This was a special opportunity for the families of friars and benefactors of the Custody to come for the Profession of Vows Mass and visit one of the friaries of the Custody.
Prepared by Friar Giu-se Nguyễn Chính Luận, OFM Conv.
