On March 19, 2026, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M., four novices from the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza in the Philippines made their first profession of vows.
The newly-professed are Friars Rocco Gil M. ACAYEN, Carlo Arnel M. TAGULALAP, James John Glen M. GALVEZ, and Louis Ivanh Lloyd M. CRUZ. They professed their vows before the Provincial Custos, Friar Dennis M. VARGAS, at the St. Joseph Friary in Tagaytay City, in the Philippines.
On the same day, two simply professed friars renewed their vows for one year: Friars Charbel Emmanuel M. ARARACAP and Giovanni Vincent Kevin M. ELEMOS.
In his homily, the Provincial Custos reflected on the Gospel line: “Mary and Joseph did not understand Jesus.” They had questions. They were confused. And yet, their life, relationship and responsibilities continued. So it is in our own lives: there are times when we do not understand what God is doing―in our family, our work, or our struggles. We pray, but there is no clear answer. We try to be faithful, but the path forward is uncertain. We often say: “Lord, explain, and I will follow,” or “Give me clarity, and I will commit myself.” However, the Gospel quietly teaches us the opposite: commit first, and understanding will follow.
St. Joseph did not fully understand everything about his adopted Son, Jesus. Yet he did not stop being a father to Him. He did not withdraw. He continued loving and protecting Him—fulfilling his duty quietly and daily, without needing full explanation. This is the pattern of faith: not clarity first, but trust.
This is especially important today for our brothers professing the evangelical counsels—obedience, poverty, and chastity. These are not fully understood at the beginning. Obedience is learned when one’s will is challenged and one remains faithful. Poverty is learned in moments of lack, when one discovers that Christ is enough. Chastity is understood when love is no longer about self-gratification, but about offering oneself freely—when one cares authentically for others without possessing them or being possessed by them, when one’s heart becomes undivided and wide enough to love many because it already belongs completely to Christ. Fraternity, too, is understood when living with one’s confreres becomes difficult and one chooses to stay. Understanding comes later if one remains, stays and perseveres.
Custodial Office of Communications and Evangelization
