On March 18, 2026, the eve of the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, two young men were admitted to the novitiate during a ceremony in the oratory of the St. Joseph Friary in Tagaytay City, the Philippines.
The Custos of the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza in the Philippines, Friar Dennis VARGAS, received the candidates: Friar Anthony Edrin PALATINO and Friar Achilles Samuel TALANGAN.
In his reflection, Friar Dennis underlined that living poverty in the Franciscan way is not limited to its material aspects, but requires true interior detachment, which frees one’s heart from worldly concerns.
The new novices were then entrusted to the Novice Director, Friar Matthew FARAON, who blessed the habits and assisted in the vesting ceremony.
We wish the new novices a year of grace and growth, so that they may deepen their vocation and advance in the knowledge of the Franciscan spiritual life.
Friar Daniel SUGATAN.
Photos: Friar Anthony Edrin PALATINO
