The Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza in the Philippines celebrated some important events in October and November, 2021.

Diaconal Ordination
On October 26, 2021, the Memorial of Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza, co-patron of the Custody, Friar John Christopher BAPTISTA was ordained to the diaconate by the Most Reverend Jesse E. MERCADO, DD. Bishop of Parañaque. The event took place at the St. Maximilian M. Kolbe Seminary in Parañaque, the Philippines. Those attending the ordination included postulants, novices, friars from various communities in the Custody, immediate family members of the new deacon and some men and women religious.
In his homily, the bishop expounded on the theme chosen for the celebration: In omnibus amare et servire Dominum [In everything, love and serve the Lord]. In the afternoon, after the ordination, the new deacon blessed the recently-built Ave Maria Kiosk, located near the friary’s Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.

Suffrages for the Dead
On November 1-2, 2021, the junior friars, novices, and postulants, with their respective formators, gathered at the St. Joseph Formation House in Tagatay City to pray for the dead. Masses for the eternal repose of our beloved friars, friends, relatives and benefactors were offered in the church. Likewise, friars recited the Rosary at the Custodial columbarium and tomb of Friar Pietro (Vincenzo) M. D’ANDRIA, one of the Order’s first missionaries to the Philippines. Suffrages were also offered for the immediate family members of four friars who died in October, due to various causes.

Solemn Profession of Vows
On November 29, 2021, Friar Odorico (Michael) LAORENO professed his solemn vows into the hands of the Provincial Custos, Francis Victor MATEO. The celebration was held at the St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Novaliches-Quezon City. Those attending the event included friars, a number of young men in formation and some visitors.

Custodial Office of Communications
Photos: Friar Raniel Tristan P. ASILO