On August 15, 2024, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza in the Philippines celebrated some special events: friars renewed their profession of vows, postulants were admitted into the postulancy program and the fortieth day after the death of Friar Leo M. (Romeo D.) ESTANISLAO (May 19, 1968 – July 6, 2024) was commemorated.
Six simply professed friars renewed their profession of vows, namely, Friars Matthias M. (John Marson L.) MONTERO, Gregory M. (Kenneth C.) SALVA, Martin M. (Romeo M. Jr.) GABITO, Isidore M. (Dexter P.) AYON-AYON, Augustine M. (Raniel Tristan P.) ASILO, and Yosef M. (Anthony) AMEDO. Friars Raphael M. (Kenneth Rey E.) YSULAN, and Daniel M. (Disraeli B.) SUGATAN, served as witnesses. The renewal ceremony took place at the St. Maximilian Friary during the 6:00 p.m. Mass with the Provincial Custos, Friar Emmanuel M. (Concordio L. Jr.) GIVA, presiding.
On the same day, two young men were admitted into the postulancy program. One was Edrine PALATINO from Paete, Laguna Province, Philippines. The other was Samuel TALANGAN from Buhi, Camarines Sur Province, Philippines. Both men were vested with a gray polo shirt and a tau cross at the St. Joseph Friary, in Tagaytay City. The Guardian, Friar Lorenzo (Jimmy Boy) AVELINO, was delegated to formally admit the two men. He was assisted by Friars Vincent S. (Timothy) NAVARRO and Matthew (Virgilio E.) FARAON.
In conjunction with the renewal of vows, the community also commemorated the fortieth day after the passing of Friar Leo M. (Romeo D.) ESTANISLAO. Family, relatives, and friends gathered to honor his memory. Some benefactors and Secular Franciscans also attended. The memorial concluded with a shared meal, where the attendees came together in fellowship to celebrate the occasion.
Friars Yosef AMEDO and Daniel SUGATAN
Photos: Alexander JUNI and Friar Lorenzo AVELINO
