On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the Solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi, Friars Christian Josué DE LA CRUZ DE LA CRUZ and David de Jesús VELÁSQUEZ CARDONA, members of the Provincial Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Colombia, professed their solemn vows. The event took place at 3:00 p.m., during Mass at the San Antonio de Padua Friary in Bogotá, Columbia.
The Provincial Custos, Friar Sidifredo de la Cruz CHAPARRO GUALDRÓN, presided over the Mass. Others present included the Custodial Vicar, Friar Rafael José GARAVITO PÉREZ; Guardian and Rector for temporarily professed friars, Friar Jair del Cristo CONTRERAS LÁZARO; several friars from the various fraternities of the Custody; men and women religious from other communities; family members; and friends.
In his homily, Friar Sidifredo de la Cruz reflected on key moments that show how the Lord’s love has been present throughout the history of salvation, and how, even in the time of St. Francis, it revealed itself within a troubled society much like our own. Listening to the voice of the Lord, the saints―like our Founder—took part in rebuilding the Church, living out the holy Gospel in a Christian way, in obedience to Mother Church, to whom they submitted themselves with meekness and humility.
Friar Sidifredo emphasized that this is a free decision—the promise to give oneself totally to God for the rest of one’s life. He reminded the friars that they have not reached a definitive goal nor received a special privilege. Rather, they have accepted a gift: the unique grace of a divine vocation. He then encouraged them to live with humility and a spirit of service, following the example of the Master, who came to serve and not to be served—and reminded them that the community will always be there to support them in times of difficulty. He added that our Order and the Church need men of faith, authentically and fully consecrated who bear witness to the Master, and respond to the constant call to holiness, just as so many Franciscan friars have done.
We gratefully welcome the total and definitive gift of our confreres and pray to God and the Immaculate Virgin that their joy and youthful enthusiasm may enrich both our Order and the Church.
After the homily, the Rite of Profession took place, in which Friars Christian and David consecrated themselves to serve God and the Church in our Order of Friars Minor Conventual. At the end of the celebration, the community came together in a spirit of fraternity to thank the Lord of life for the gift of vocation.
Friar Alex F. PARADA PIRANEQUE
