Solemn vows unite five friars in faith and fraternity

On a warm, late-summer Saturday afternoon in Albuquerque, New Mexico, five friars from the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe entered Holy Family Catholic Church, filled with anticipation about how that day would shape the course of their lives. 

Brothers Edgar Alberto, OFM, Daniel Cruz, OFM, Jimmy Kernan, OFM, Adolfo R. Mercado, OFM, and Joshua Richter, OFM, made their solemn vows on Aug. 23 in a ceremony witnessed by an intimate congregation of family, friends and friars. 

Provincial Minister Br. Lawrence Hayes, OFM, presided at the Mass and encouraged attendees to consider where Christ speaks to them today and how they seek him. 

“The occasion of solemn profession is an excellent time for each friar here to answer the question: ‘Why do you stay Franciscan?’” he said in his homily. 

This introspection guides all friars each year as they renew their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and continue on their Franciscan journeys. 

“Christ’s presence occurs in our fraternal relationships, which keep us caught up in, and part of, the ongoing incarnation (particularization) of God’s love through our mutual interaction,” Br. Larry said of remaining Franciscan in trying times. 

Vows as liberating, not restrictive 

The five friars present have experienced Franciscan life in fraternity since they became postulants. As they moved from postulancy to novitiate to professing simple vows, they tried on this vocation in meaningful ways, volunteering to follow in Francis’ path. 

Solemn profession is when a friar fully commits to a life of Franciscan service, taking vows seen by many friars as liberating rather than restrictive. 

"The best way to live the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in today’s world is to listen to the Holy Spirit like St. Francis of Assisi did during his time,” Br. Edgar said.  

“The Holy Spirit will guide me and help me to discern the signs of the times.”  

This reference to a higher calling mirrors scripture from the day’s liturgy, 1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19, urging us to prioritize spiritual matters over earthly concerns. “Speak, for your servant is listening,” Samuel said. 

Br. Daniel relates to Samuel's experience when the Lord called him at night. “I have aspirations, but life unfolds in different ways,” he said. “Right now, I am open to the voice of the Spirit.” 

An uplifting experience for all 

Br. Larry called the candidates for the rite of profession and presented them to the congregation, which consisted of friars, as well as friends, family and visitors and others.   

The congregation’s spirited applause swiftly intensified into a standing ovation, accompanied by enthusiastic vocal expressions. After a brief pause, the candidates lay prostrate in the nave while Holy Family’s choir sang the litany of the saints in English and Spanish on their behalf. 

A sense of reverence filled the midcentury church. The voices lifted in song felt as if they emanated from above. It was an uplifting experience for all. 

“There have been times when I have felt a bit depleted, but then a note, message, comment or observation helps me re-orient myself and the relationship with God,” Br. Adolfo said. 

Friars came from everywhere 

With Br. Henry Fulmer, OFM, serving as deacon and with music by Br. Rufino Zaragoza, OFM, the Mass had a distinctly intimate Franciscan quality.  

The event echoed Br. Larry’s homily as brothers gathered for lively conversation and laughter during the reception that followed. Friars from everywhere in the unified province showed their support for the newly professed brothers, demonstrating their commitment. 

Br. Larry quoted the words of Br. Murray Bodo, OFM, expressed eloquently in a recent series titled, Franciscan Wisdom in Time of Crisis. 

“[I am] convinced that the gift of Franciscans for the world today is our own interrelating as brothers, our fraternitas,” Br. Murray wrote. “In our fraternitas, we find our own identities defined and clarified and thereby find the hope that carries us on as well.” 

“In fraternitas, separate individuals become a ‘we.’” 

Brothers Edgar, Daniel, Jimmy, Adolfo and Joshua left the parish hall, knowing their commitment will impact both their lives and those they serve. 

“I was overwhelmed by the number of friars from all over the province and their fraternal support over the weekend, but also over these years of formation,” Br. Jimmy said. "This was a great reminder that we journey this life together as brothers. It is such a joy and comfort to know that I have so many wonderful friars supporting me.” 

Interested in life as a Franciscan friar? Contact our vocations team to learn more. 

[WATCH THE SOLEMN PROFESSION HERE]