From June 30 to July 31, 2025, a second novitiate experience was conducted for Friars David de Jesús VELASQUEZ CARDONA and Cristian Josué DE LA CRUZ DE LA CRUZ of the Provincial Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Colombia. The event took place at the San Maximiliano Kolbe Friary and Novitiate under the Federación América Latina Conventuales (FALC) in Colombia.
Coordinated by the Formation Commission of the Custody and guided by Friar Pedro Pablo BERMÚDEZ, this time of grace aimed to provide a comprehensive experience of formation, fraternity, and spirituality in order to rekindle love for the Franciscan charism, deepen the meaning of religious consecration, strengthen the sense of belonging, and more intimately conform one’s life to Christ, Spouse and Lord.
From the beginning, this formation event integrated the human, spiritual, and charismatic dimensions. The choice of consecrating one’s life was approached with the understanding that emotional and psychological maturity are the basis for free self-giving. The friars reflected on Jesus as the center and model of life and learned that consecration is the way one responds to divine love.
One of the most enlightening moments was the friars’ encounter with the Rule of St. Francis. They read it, not as a text from the past, but as a living source of inspiration for Franciscan life today. Through study, dialogue, and prayer, they rediscovered the Rule as a path to follow the poor and crucified Christ and as a light to discern one’s vocation amid the challenges of today’s world.
Another key moment was the personal retreat at the Asunción Monastery in Envigado, Antioquia Department, Colombia, where the friars were hosted by the Benedictine monks. This privileged space of silence, adoration, inner listening, and intimate encounter with God allowed them to examine their lives in the light of the Gospel and renew their “yes” with freedom and joy.
During the third week, three friars from the Order of Friars Minor joined the Conventual friars. They were Friars Armando and Bonifacio from the OFM Province of St. Clare of Assisi in Mozambique, and Friar Duván from the OFM Province of Santa Fe in Columbia. These friars were also preparing for solemn profession. The resulting enhanced communion and fraternity reflected the unity of the Franciscan charism within its diversity.
Special mention goes to the friars who shared their witness and experience during the event, in particular, Friar Rafael José GARAVITO PÉREZ, who accompanied the vocational discernment process with genuine care and attentiveness, and the Provincial Custos, Friar Sidifredo de la Cruz CHAPARRO GUALDRÓN, who spoke with fatherly clarity about the Admonitions of St. Francis and the moral and legal implications of solemn profession, reminding everyone of the seriousness, beauty, and radical nature of this commitment before God, the Church, and the Order.
This second novitiate was a true kairos experience. It was a time of grace, fraternity, prayer, study, and encountering Christ. The event strengthened the foundations of lives given without reserve, inviting the friars to return to their center, to be transformed by the Spirit, and to respond joyfully to the Lord’s call.
Friar David de Jesús VELASQUEZ CARDONA
