Friars Make First Profession of Vows

The four men in the photograph above - Friar Paul Schneider, Friar André Petty, Friar Matthew Malek and Friar Christian Paul Lane professed their First Vows on Saturday, July 19 in the St. Francis of Assisi Convent Chapel in Mishawaka, Indiana.  Last year at this time, the four men had taken the first important step in their lives as friars by becoming novices in the Order of Friars Minor Conventual.  As novices the men had officially entered the Order of Friars Minor Conventual and received the habit of probation (a tunic, capuce, and a cord WITHOUT knots). During this important year of formation at the Novitiate in Mishawaka, these men more deeply immersed themselves in the Franciscan life of poverty, chastity and obedience . They studied the Rule of St. Francis as well as the Constitutions of their Order. Their life was one of prayer, contemplation, community, and service.

The Novitiate in Mishawaka, Indiana

During the profession liturgy, the friars made a vowed commitment to live in obedience, without anything of their own and in chastity according to the Rule of St. Francis for a period of one year or three years.  They professed these vows while kneeling before their minister, placing their hands in his on the Book of the Gospels.  After the profession of vows, the cord without knots was removed and each professed friar put on a cord with three knots, representing the three vows.  As a result, their habit of probation became a habit of religious profession or consecrated life.  During this time of temporary profession, these men will continue their religious formation in various friaries while immersing themselves more deeply in Franciscan life.  After three years of temporary profession, the friars can make solemn vows in which they take the same vows for life. 

The vow formula that the friars professed is as follows:

"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 and 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 __ year(s) 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."

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