Friars Celebrate Two Simple Professions in Indiana

(left to right) Friar Michael Kolodziej, Friar Nicholas Vincent Dragone,

Friar Pio Antonio Alves, and Friar Patrick Greenough

On July 18, Conventual Franciscan Friars from across the United States found themselves at the St. Francis of Assisi Novitiate in Mishawaka, Indiana. The purpose of their visit was Friar Pio Antonio Alves’ and Friar Nicholas Vincent Dragone’s Profession of Simple Vows. Simple Vows require a friar to profess to live in obedience for one or three years, without anything of his own and in chastity according to the Rule of St. Francis approved by Pope Honorius III and the Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual.

Friar Pio Antonio Alves professes into the hands of Friar Patrick Greenough

The actual Profession of Simple Vows takes place within the structure of a Mass. After the gospel is read, the men seeking to profess vows as friars are asked by the presiding provincial "My dear brothers, what do you ask of God and of His holy Church?"

Friar Nicholas Vincent Dragone professes into the hands of Friar Michael Kolodziej

They respond:

"We ask for God's merciful love and for the grace of serving him more perfectly in the brotherhood of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual."

(left to right) Friar Justin Biase, Friar Pio Antonio Alves, Friar Nicholas Vincent Dragone,

and Friar Michael Kolodziej

Each friar then approaches the minster provincial, kneels before him, folds his hand between the minister's palms resting on the Book of the Gospels, and says:

"To the praise and glory of the Most Holy Trinity!  I friar N.N., led by divine inspiration, desire to follow more closely the Gospel footprints of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the presence of the assembled friars and faithful, placing my hands in yours friar N., with firm faith and will, I vow to God, the Father, the Holy and Almighty, to live for (one or three years)* in obedience, without anything of my own, and in chastity. I also promise to observe faithfully the life and Rule of the Friars Minor Conventual, confirmed by Pope Honorius, according to the Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. Therefore, with all my heart I entrust myself to this brotherhood, that through the working of the Holy Spirit, the example of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the intercession of our father Francis and all the saints, and with the help of my brothers, I may, in the service of God, the Church and humankind, seek the perfection of charity."

* at the time of Solemn Profession the words are "to live for the whole time of my life. . . "

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Below are more images from the celebration in Indiana: