Listening to God: Three men profess simple vows

Brothers Ricardo Ferrer, OFM, Seraphim (Christian) Rito Gonzalez, OFM, and Jesus Heber Lara Romero, OFM, have taken the next step on their journey of faith.  

Surrounded by their brother friars, friends and family, the men professed their first vows as Franciscans on July 2 at Old Mission Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California, embracing fraternal life with humility and gratitude.  

As the rite of profession began, Novice Master Br. Gene Pistacchio, OFM, offered thanks to the many people who have supported the novices: friars who have visited and shared daily life with them, ministry partners and supervisors, spiritual directors, Secular Franciscans, parish friends and family members, and the nearby Capuchin and Conventual friars. 

He also reminded Brothers Ricky, Seraphim and Jesus, that “Our novitiate is never truly finished. It is a container, a catalyst, a process, a foundation. Some call it bubble which is about to be burst; a beginning upon which to build your lives upon stone; an ever-deepening spiral of spiritual intimacy with God and God's people.  

“We are very grateful to the Lord, dear brother novices, that you have decided to come even closer to us by the bond of the three evangelical vows you will profess in our presence today,” he continued. “And we are proud to walk by your side as you begin your life as a simply professed Friars Minor.” 

Provincial Minister Br. Larry Hayes, OFM, receives the vows of Br. Seraphim (Christian) Rito Gonzalez, OFM. (Photo by Br. Octavio Duran, OFM)

Learning to listen  

During the homily, Provincial Minister Br. Larry Hayes, OFM, said, “I hope the novitiate has been a very special year for you, a time for learning how to listen. Learning to listen to God’s word and recognizing God’s voice. Learning to listen to your own personal story in light of God’s word. Learning to listen to your brothers, through whom God often speaks. Learning to listen to reality, especially the voices of the poor, where God also speaks. 

“Listening is the first step in loving one another, because it means that we are not closed in on ourselves,” he continued. “Listening means that we are willing to trust others. Listening means that we are willing to allow ourselves to be changed by the encounter with God and others.  

“Listening, Jesus tells us, makes us friends. Listening, in no small part I am sure, has led you to the ‘yes’ that you are about to give as you profess your first vows.”  

Br. Ricky Ferrer, OFM, receives the knotted cord of the Franciscans. The three knots represent the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. (Photo by Br. Octavio Duran, OFM)

Humility and gratitude  

Br. Ricky admitted that during the ceremony he initially felt “unworthy and not ready,” but when Br. Larry received his vows “’in the name of the Church and of our brotherhood and on the part of almighty God,’ that all melted away,” he said. “Hearing those words, it became between me and God, through the person of Larry, and I was overwhelmed with joy.  

“I feel very humble for the opportunity to respond to God’s call and live out this life,” he added. “This is God’s vocation, not mine, and he gave me the grace to respond to his vocation through the friars, my family and my friends.”  

His parents, Fe and Ricardo, and several other relatives were present and shared Br. Ricky’s emotions. “My mother said she couldn’t really explain what she was feeling. She was teary eyed and was filled with joy to witness my vows,” he said. “And my dad is very happy because he prayed for me to be a Franciscan, and his prayer has been answered.”  

Br. Jesus Heber Lara Romero, OFM, joyfully accepts an embrace after professing his simple vows. (Photo by Br. Octavio Duran, OFM)

Driven by love  

Br. Seraphim chose his name because “It captures the journey I have been having with God. Seraphim is Hebrew for ‘the burning ones.’ My conversion to the faith has felt like a new light has been shone on my life and my love for God feels like a fire.” 

For him, “The feeling of professing vows was one of peace. There is excitement for the newness, fear of the unknown, sorrow in denying myself to pick up the cross and joy in giving myself to our Lord. The decision to profess is driven by love for God and love for my brothers.  

“The most meaningful part of the ceremony for me was looking into the eyes of my brothers during the profession as I said the words, ‘I give myself to this fraternity with all my heart so that, through the efficacious action of the Holy Spirit, I can constantly strive for perfect charity in the service of God, of the Church and of mankind,’” Br. Seraphim said. “I looked into the eyes of my brothers so that I could see who it was that I was entrusting my life to. Looking at them as I said this overwhelmed my soul with love.”  

From left, Provincial Minister Larry Hayes, OFM, with Brothers Ricky Ferrer, OFM, Seraphim Rito Gonzalez, OFM, and Jesus Heber Lara Romero, OFM. (Photo by Br. Octavio Duran, OFM)

New opportunities  

The newly professed brothers have a busy summer ahead with plans to visit family, attend the solemn professions and ordinations of their fellow friars in August, and engage in various ministries. Brothers Ricky and Seraphim will eventually head to the Franciscans’ mission in Jamaica to participate in the province’s post-novitiate ministry immersion program. These next steps on their journey will build on the foundation of prayer, love for God, the Church and all of creation instilled during the postulancy and novitiate.  

“I’m looking forward to living out the vows, ministering with the other friars and spreading my wings,” said Br. Ricky.  

Added Br. Seraphim, “I hope that God will work through me.”