On Sunday, August 3, 2025, Friar Răzvan-Emanuel PETRUȚ, a newly ordained priest of the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania, celebrated his first Mass at the Papal Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.
Friar Răzvan was ordained to the priesthood on June 24, 2025, by the Most Reverend Iosif PĂULEȚ, Bishop of Iași, Romania. The ordination took place at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Iași. On July 6, 2024, Friar Răzvan celebrated his first Mass in his hometown. Afterwards, he returned to Assisi, the heart of Franciscanism, and celebrated Mass there for the first time, together with his brothers.
The Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, the site of the tomb of St. Francis, is a truly special place for every Franciscan friar. It is no coincidence that it is called the Caput et Mater Ordinis Minorum [Head and Mother of the Order of Minors]. Friar Răzvan was assigned to this community in October of 2024, and carried out his diaconal service there.
The Mass of the newly ordained priest began at 10:30 a.m. Those attending included the friars of the Sacred Convent, friends, relatives, and an impressive number of pilgrims. The Custos of the Sacred Convent, Friar Marco MORONI, welcomed the young priest and congratulated him on the courage and perseverance he showed on his journey to the priesthood. The entire celebration was solemn. The novice friars took care of the liturgical service and the choir lifted the hearts of those present with wonderful hymns. At the end of the celebration, Friar Răzvan expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to his human, spiritual, and intellectual formation.
May Friar Răzvan’s priestly ministry, which began at the tomb of St. Francis, bear living witness to God’s love. May it be an instrument of peace and joy, like the Poor Man of Assisi, bringing the light of the Gospel to the hearts of all.
Friar Andrei-Iulian CIOBANU
