On May 2, 2025, Friars Edgar VARELA and Sebastian DE BACKER, both members of the Province of Our Lady of the Angels in the USA, professed their solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience before their Minister Provincial, Friar Michael HEINE.
Congratulations to Franciscan Conventual Friars Sebastian and Deacon Edgar! They professed their solemn vows in Ellicott City, Maryland. This commitment means they will live the vows of poverty (having nothing of one’s own), chastity (living a celibate life), and obedience (listening to the friars above them, and to God). Friar Sebastian will continue his studies in Rome, and Deacon Edgar will serve in a parish sharing the Gospel as an ordained minister. Friar Edgar will be ordained to the priesthood next year. They both are joyful witnesses of living the Gospel for Jesus Christ.
The postulants traveled from Chicago with Fr. Paul Mary and Friar Ian Bremar to attend the professions and ordination. The ceremonies were held at St. Anthony Shrine, where the local Conventual Franciscan friars reside and minister. Pictured is the famous scene of St. Anthony when he was heckled by a man who denied the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. St. Anthony proposed to let the man’s donkey choose between ordinary food or the Eucharist. St. Anthony exposed the Blessed Sacrament, and the donkey genuflected in reverence. This reminds us of God’s sovereignty as we glorify Him, as well as man’s dominion over the animals.
May Mary lay her mantle of protection over her Franciscan Conventual friars, the postulants, and each one of you.
Read more on www.ofmconv.net