On June 22, 2024, Friar Oscar David GAÓN MARTÍNEZ from the Provincial Delegation of St. Anthony in Ecuador, made his solemn profession. The Delegation belongs to the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in Poland (Gdańsk).
The ceremony took place at the Jesús Buen Pastor Church in Quito, Ecuador, where the Conventual Franciscans have been serving for ten years. Those attending the event included close family members of the newly professed, friars from the friaries of the Delegation, some Friars Minor, some Benedictine Sisters, friends and parishioners.
The Mass was presided over by the Delegate of the Minister Provincial in Ecuador, Friar Michał PAGA. The Vicar Provincial, Friar Robert WOŁYNIEC , gave the homily and received Friar Oscar’s vows. In his homily, Friar Robert reflected on the cross that each of us carries in our lives, a cross which the newly professed, following the example of St. Francis, will carry in his heart. He will love his cross and show others that it is the meaning of life and the only way of salvation. Friar Robert encouraged Friar Oscar to remember, especially in moments of doubt, that his life is not a chance happening. Rather, it is from the Lord, who has known him from his mother’s womb. Moreover, it is the Lord who has called him to follow the path of Franciscan life.
Friar Oscar David GAÓN MARTÍNEZ is the fourth friar to make his solemn profession in the almost thirty-year history of the Conventual Franciscan mission in Ecuador. The last similar ceremony took place eleven years ago.
Friar Robert KOZIELSKI
