Each August, Franciscans the world over celebrate a number of feast days. The Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza in the Philippines likewise celebrated two events, in keeping with the special character of the month.

There was a ceremony to begin the FAMC novitiate year and a ceremony for the first profession of vows.
Both occasions were celebrated at the St. Joseph Friary Oratory in Tagaytay City and were presided over by the Vicar Custos, Friar Emmanuel GIVA JR.
On August 1, 2018, six postulants were admitted to the common novitiate formation program of the Federation of Asian Minors Conventual (FAMC). Four are from the Philippines, namely Friars Anthony Joseph TANDUGON; Patrick Darcy NAGUIT; Alfred Martin DE CASTRO; and Rommel Marcos BALTAZAR. Friars Michael VINH and Dominic CHUONG are from the Provincial Delegation in Vietnam. The vesting ceremony was also attended by Friar Peter VU, representing the Provincial Delegation in Vietnam.
During the current four-year term, the FAMC common novitiate formation team is composed of the Novice Director, Friar Matthew FARAON and the Assistant Novice Director, Friar Anthony James PHAN.
On August 15, 2018, three novices from the Philippines, namely: Friars Matthias John Marson MONTERO; Camillus Felipe MADLOS; and Gregory Kenneth SALVA made their first profession of vows in the presence of the friars of the Custody. The profession was also attended by the immediate family members of the newly-professed friars, as well as representatives from local men’s and women’s religious congregations, benefactors and friends. The celebration ended with a simple meal.

Friar Daniel M. SUGATAN, OFM Conv., Custodial Secretary