On March 18, 2025, the eve of the Solemnity of St. Joseph, four confreres of the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza in the Philippines were vested in the habit of probation. The ceremony took place at the Friary of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Tagaytay City, the Philippines.
The newly admitted candidates to the novitiate program are: Friars Rocco Gil G. ACAYEN Jr., Carlo Arnel TAGULALAP, James John Glen C. GALVEZ and Louis Ivanh Lloyd CRUZ. The Provincial Custos, Friar Emmanuel GIVA, welcomed the four confreres. In his reflection, Friar Emmanuel spoke about evangelical newness in their lives, how they are to, as St. Paul says, “put on the new man.” He explained that when we were children, we were always excited about new things in our lives: new books, new pencils, new toys, new classmates, etc. In the same way, the new novices can be excited about entering religious life. They receive a new name, a new habit and a new role model, which is Christ on the cross. Indeed, now they are themselves new creatures in Christ. Finally, all four were entrusted to their Novice Master, Friar Matthew FARAON.
Friar Daniel SUGATAN
Photo: Edrine PALATINO
