On July 15, 2025, the Feast of St. Bonaventure, members of the Province of St Bonaventure in the USA (Midwest) and friars from other Provinces, gathered the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe in Marytown (in Libertyville, near Chicago, Illinois, USA) to celebrate Evening Prayer and to watch our confrere, Friar James Carlo MUZZEY, profess his simple vows. He had just completed his canonical year of probation as a novice at the St. Francis of Assisi Novitiate in Arroyo Grande, California, USA. Friar James Carlo took Carlo as his religious name after the soon-to-be-canonized Carlo ACUTIS. He was also blessed to have his parents and a close friend present for the occasion.
After the psalms and the reading during Evening Prayer had been recited, the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Bonaventure, Friar Paul Joseph LANGEVIN, preached a beautiful reflection. He pointed out that in order for us friars to truly live the vows, we must acknowledge that it is only possible if we fully cooperate with Christ’s work of salvation and rely upon the intercession of Mary Immaculate. We, like Mary, “magnify the Lord” by living out our vows faithfully. Moreover, we are called to keep the Word alive in our hearts.
Friar James Carlo was called forward and asked if he desired to live out his religious profession and conform himself to Christ by observing the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. He whole-heartedly agreed to do so.
Then, he knelt, placed his hands within the hands of his Minister Provincial, and professed his vows. Friars Bede Christopher THIGPEN, and Ian BREMAR, served as witnesses. After professing his vows, Friar James Carlo was vested with the knotted cord, representing the three vows he professed, and was given the Rule of St. Francis and the Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. He then signed the Book of Profession, which had been placed upon the altar.
Afterwards, all of the professed friars came forward to congratulate him. As a sign of his membership in the fraternity, Friar James Carlo took a seat among the friars, thereby symbolically “leaving mother and father behind” to follow Christ.
Evening Prayer concluded with the recitation of the Magnificat, the intercessions, and the Our Father. After the final prayer and blessing, everyone sang the Salve Regina in honor of Our Blessed Mother, entrusting our confrere Friar James Carlo to her maternal care and protection.
The Marytown community then served a delicious dinner to those attending and provided them with a plethora of homemade desserts. Everyone enjoyed a great, fraternal time together. We ask everyone to pray for Friar James Carlo. In the coming weeks, he will begin studies for the priesthood at our formation house in San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Friar Bernard Mary FONKALSRUD
