On July 30, 2019, the Common Novitiate of the Federation of Asian Minors Conventual (FAMC) accepted ten postulants from three different Jurisdictions to begin formation. The candidates were vested with the habit of probation at the St. Joseph Formation House Oratory, in Tagaytay City, the Philippines. The Provincial Custos, Friar Francis Victor MATEO, presided over the ceremony.

This year, Friar Gilberto Albino Dos Reis DA COSTA, from the newly formed Province of Mary Immaculate in Indonesia, will be part of the formation team, together with the Novice Director, Friar Matthew FARAON and Friar Anthony James PHAN. The simple rite was attended by members of the local fraternity; the Director of the postulancy program of the Delegation in Vietnam, Friar Joseph Pio TRẦN; and the Director of the postulancy program in the Philippines, Friar Jeremiah ARGUELLES.
The novices from the Philippines are Friars Martin (Romeo) GABITO, Isidore (Dexter) Ayon-AYON, Augustin (Reniel Tristan) ASILO, and Samuel BUEN. Those from Vietnam are Friars Joachim Vinh Văn PHAN, Joseph Tiễn Quang TRẦN, and John Baptist Lập Văn PHAN. Those from Indonesia are Friars Selsus BADUR, Rizal Silvester SITOHANG, and Yohanes Krisantus UNAB.

On August 15, 2019, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, some friars of the Custody of the Philippines made their first profession of vows while others renewed their vows.
The celebration took place at the St. Joseph Oratory in Tagaytay City. Three young friars made their first profession of vows, Friars Anthony (Joseph) TANDUGON, Alfred Martin DE CASTRO and Marcus (Rommel) BALTAZAR. The three friars completed their novitiate program together with two novices from Vietnam. In addition, two student-friars, Friars Matthias John Marson MONTERO and Gregory Kenneth SALVA, renewed their vows during the same celebration. Friar Francis Victor MATEO, the Provincial Custos, presided over the Mass and received their vows.
The Mass, professions, and agape meal that followed, were attended by the friars, those in formation, collaborators and friends of the Custody, family members and relatives of the newly professed, and religious and seminarians from various other congregations.

Custodial Communications Office
Photos: Friar Eduardus Yohanes PADIYANA