On January 16, 2023, the memorial of the Franciscan Protomartyrs, seven confreres began their canonical year of probation at the common novitiate of the Federación América Latina Conventuales (FALC). The ceremony took place at the San Maximiliano Kolbe Friary in Itagüí, Colombia.
The new novices are Friars José RODRÍGUEZ DÍAZ, Bairon COREA QUIÑONEZ, Alexander GONZALES GUARDADO (Custody of Mary, Mother of Mercy in Central America); Jesús BATALLANES (“Rioplatense” Province of St. Anthony of Padua in Argentina-Uruguay); Elías CASTRO LÓPEZ, Alex PARADA PIRANEQUE and José JIMÉNEZ RINCÓN (Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Colombia).
The Custodial Vicar of the Custody of Colombia, Friar Rafael José GARAVITO PÉREZ, presided over the celebration. He was accompanied by the Novice Master, Friar Pedro Pablo BERMÚDEZ. Friar Rafael urged the novices to deepen their personal encounter with Christ and build their vocation on solid rock (cf. Mt. 7:24) so that they can respond generously to their religious consecration.
We entrust our brothers to the Triune God, to our Immaculate Mother and to our Seraphic Father St. Francis of Assisi. May they may live this year of grace guided by the power of the Holy Spirit as they grow in accepting and living the Gospel.
Friar Fabián A. MARTÍNEZ ARAQUE
