On June 3-8, 2024, six young men from different parts of the country gathered at the St. Maximilian Friary in Multinational Village, Parañaque City to participate in the first round of the 2024 “search-in” program conducted by the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza in the Philippines. [The “search-in program,” offered twice a year, is a “Come and See” vocation event for candidates seeking to join the Order.]
The Vocation Director, Friar Odorico LAORENO, facilitated the program, assisted by Friar Raphael YSULAN. The candidates, or “Brother Observers,” as they are called, took part in the community schedule, in particular, Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, and meals. The facilitators gave talks on vocations, fraternity, the stages of formation, Franciscan history, the Militia of the Immaculata, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, and the Secular Franciscan Order. In the evening of the third day, the Brother Observers attended a Eucharistic adoration for vocations. The next day, they went on an outing to visit the St. Joseph Friary in Tagaytay City. On the fifth day, the Provincial Custos, Friar Emmanuel GIVA, interviewed the candidates. The search-in program concluded later that night with a fraternal evening together.
Friar Daniel SUGATAN
Photos: Friar Odorico LAORENO
