On March 19-20, 2021, all the friars of the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza in the Philippines gathered at the Friary of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Tagaytay City to celebrate the Year of St. Joseph.
The two-day event began with Mass presided over by the Guardian of the St. Joseph Friary, Friar Daniel SUGATAN. In the afternoon, the friars prayed the Rosary for the victims of Covid-19 and for more vocations in the Order. Then in the evening, a Mass was concelebrated, with the Provincial Custos, Friar Francis Victor MATEO, presiding. Five young friars renewed their religious vows during the Mass, namely, Friars Maximilian BUMACOD, Odorico LAORENO, Paul Anthony SABATER, Pio BIÑAS and Rafael YSULAN.
In his homily, the Custos emphasized St. Joseph as a special patron of the Order, together with the Immaculate Virgin Mary. The first day ended with a short fraternal program during dinner, where various young men in formation showcased their talents, singing, reciting poetry, and dancing.
The highlight of the second day, March 20, was a lecture on St. Joseph and Consecrated Life given by Father Ian ACAP of the Oblates of St. Joseph. Among other things, he mentioned the devotion to the seven joys and sorrows of St. Joseph. This particular devotion comes from the Franciscan religious tradition, which their congregation ardently spreads and promotes.
On the same day, the friars celebrated the 25th anniversary of religious profession for Friars Angelo BRENCES, Valerian CASTILLO and Dennis VARGAS. The Provincial Custody gave each of them an image of St. Francis of Assisi by Cimabue. The friars of the Philippines living abroad participated in the celebration online.
Formation Events
On March 18, 2021, three young men were accepted as postulants to the Order. They were vested with a gray polo shirt and a Tau cross in the oratory of the St. Joseph Friary in Tagaytay City. The simple rite was carried out during the celebration of Mass presided over by the Custos, with the Director of the Postulancy Program present, Friar Jeremiah ARGUELLES. The three new postulants are: John Vianney TROCIO, Juanito TANTOY JR., and Daniel DIONES.
On March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the B.V.M., the Ministry of Acolyte was conferred upon Friars Bernard ANUTA, Paul Anthony SABATER, and Uriel SANTOS, while the Ministry of Lector was conferred upon Odorico LAORENO. The conferment took place during Mass at the St. Maximilian Friary in Parañaque City. The Provincial Custos presided. A few lay collaborators attended the liturgical ceremony and also shared a meal with the friars.
Custodial Communications Office
Photos: Friar Renmiel Tristan ASILO
