Friar Paul Mary Schneider Embraces Franciscan Life

Friar Paul Mary Schneider professes into the hands of Friar Paul Greenough - his minister provincial

Last weekend, Friar Patrick Greenough – the Minister Provincial of the Conventual Franciscans’ St. Bonaventure Province (the United States Midwest) – asked the congregation during his homily in the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe in Libertyville, Illinois if they “dare to love as Christ loved?” For a Franciscan this is an important question because the Order’s founder Francis spent his life imitating Christ.

In the shrine listening to Friar Patrick’s homily was Friar Paul Mary Schneider. The people gathered in the church were there to celebrate his Profession of Solemn Vows. During a Profession of Solemn Vows, a friar dedicates himself to live as a Franciscan for the rest of his life. The profession ceremony is very beautiful and in the case of Friar Paul Mary Schneider was witnessed by Friars Robert Joseph Switanowski and Robert Daniel Melnick.

During the profession ceremony a friar professes into the hands of his minister provincial, which rest on the book of the Gospels. After the Solemn Vows, the friar then receives a fraternal embrace from his Franciscan brothers.

Many friars showed their support by attending Friar Paul Mary Schneider’s Profession of Solemn Vows. His mother Anna and sister Pat were also in attendance.

(Source of all related images on webpage and homepage: St. Bonaventure Province.)