ProfessioninMass

Friars Matt Foley and Nick Spano

Profess Solemn Vows

From left to right: Friar Justin Biase, Friar Nick Spano,

Friar Matt Foley, and Friar Michael Kolodziej

On Friday, August 15th at 2pm, the Church of St. Anthony in Chicopee, Massachusetts was full of people. Friars, family, friends, guests religious and lay had gathered to witness and celebrate the Profession of Solemn Vows of Friars Matt Foley and Nick Spano. A Profession of Solemn Vows is a friar's life commitment to the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. A friar professing his Solemn Vows understands and is keen on committing himself to Franciscan life. During the ceremony, he recites the Rule and Life of the Friars Minor into the hands of his minister provincial. The Rule states that the professing friar will observe the Holy Gospel and live in obedience, poverty, and chastity.

Friar Nick Spano professes into the hands of Friar Justin Biase

A Profession of Solemn Vows happens at Mass. The feeling during the whole ceremony is celebratory. Everyone has fun and participants see eight centuries of tradition transpire before their very eyes. Friars who come as guests to the Profession not only support their professing brothers, but also have the opportunity to renew their own commitment to life as Conventual Franciscans.