On August 9, 2023, the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico celebrated an important event, the solemn profession of Friar José Manuel LUJANO MIRANDA.
Friar José Manuel is originally from the Mexican state of Guerrero. In 2015, he entered the postulancy program of the Conventual Franciscans. He made his simple profession in 2017. He has satisfactorily completed the initial stages of formation and is currently studying theology. In July of 2023, he completed his “second novitiate” experience, which took place in Chiapas State, Mexico, together with some friars from the Provinces of the Friars Minor.
The solemn profession ceremony was very touching. It was the first profession to be celebrated without any of the fears or restrictions caused by the pandemic. The event took place at the María Inmaculada Formation House in Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico. Those present included friars from various friaries, relatives and friends of Friar José Manuel and the faithful from the parish communities and groups under the care of the friars, especially the ones in Cuautitlán Izcalli.
The Minister Provincial, Friar Mario CASTRO MARTÍNEZ presided over the Mass with several friar priests concelebrating. The different stages of the profession rite gave the celebration an emotional atmosphere: the moment of prostration, the prayer invoking the Holy Spirit, the moment when Friar José Manuel professed his vows into the hands of the Minister Provincial, and the welcoming embrace he received from each member the community. The Urbanist Poor Clares were in charge of singing the liturgical hymns.
At the end of the celebration, Friar Lorenzo ROJAS GUTIÉRREZ, the Guardian of the local friary, invited all present to share a meal and reminded them of an important reality: “You are not simply the faithful we serve; you are our family.” Another pleasant aspect were the festivities during the event, which were enlivened at different times by some good mariachi singers and even folk dances.
We ask God to give the gift of perseverance to our brother José Manuel.
Friar Jorge HERNÁNDEZ DE LUNA
