On November 17, 2018, the liturgical feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Patroness of the Secular Franciscan Order, the Province of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in the Czech Republic celebrated a profession of solemn vows.
On this day, Friar Patrik Bogdan RYGIEL professed his solemn vows into the hands of his Minister Provincial, Friar Stanisław GRYŃ.
Friar Patrik’s vocation developed slowly. He was deeply influenced by the magazine “Immaculata”, published in the Czech Republic by the Friars Minor Conventual—whom he met while he was in high school.
Friar Patrik currently attends the diocesan seminary in Bratislava, Slovakia.
The solemn profession of vows took place at the Conventual Franciscan church in Opava (near Ostrava). Many faithful from the area took part, including confreres from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland. There were some nuns in attendance along with Friar Patrick’s friends and family. The three novices from the Czech Republic, attending the novitiate at Kalwaria Pacławska, Poland, came as well, together with their Novice Master. Also present was the postulant from the Czech Republic who is undergoing formation in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Our confrere’s profession gave good witness to all those struggling to make lasting decisions in their lives, especially young people.
For the Province, the event was truly a gift from God. This is already the second profession within two years. In fact, last year, Friar Petr MACHÁČEK celebrated his profession of solemn vows.
We entrust our vocations and our entire Province to Our Lady of Cvilín.
Friar Stanisław GRYŃ, Minister Provincial
