Friar Reto's Profession

Friar Reto Davatz's Profession of Solemn Vows

Friars process into the Franciscan Church of St. Bonaventure

in Toronto, Ontario

On August 15, 2009 - the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary - the Franciscan Church of St. Bonaventure in Toronto, Ontario celebrated Friar Reto John Davatz's Profession of Solemn Vows. To bring you a little closer to this joyous occasion we feature below a podcast of the actual moments of the profession.

Every Profession of Solemn Vows takes place after the Liturgy of the Word. During the ceremony, a friar professes to live for the rest of his life in obedience, chastity and without anything of his own according the Rule of St. Francis and the Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual.

Friars from the United States and Europe supported Friar Reto during his profession

The act of the Profession of Solemn Vows requires two friars to witness the event by standing at either side of candidate's minister provincial. The candidate then approaches and keels in front of his sitting minister provincial. He places his hands into the minister provincial's and makes sure to lay his palms on the Book of the Gospels which the minister provincial is holding. While in this position he says the Formula of Profession. The next step in the ceremony sees the newly professed friar step onto the altar and sign a written copy of the formula. His witnesses also leave their signatures on this document.

The Rite of Profession then finishes with a Solemn Consecration and a Fraternal Embrace. The former is uttered by the presiding minister provincial with his hands extended over the newly professed friar. The latter component is an expression of joy. Each Franciscan present at the profession embraces the newly professed friar in a sign of congratulations.