According to various rankings, Paraguay is listed as one of the countries in the world where people consider themselves the happiest. On Sunday, January 24, 2021, something occurred that supported and even boosted that “happiness index.” The event in question was the profession of religious vows by some Conventual confreres.

On that day, four of our friars made their temporary vows at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Areguá, Paraguay. One of them, Friar Carlos David JARA VERA, finished his novitiate a few days ago and professed his vows for the first time. The other three, Friars Erit Roberto PERALTA MERCADO; Tomás Valerio ZEBALLO CABALLERO; and Lucas Javier OVELAR HERMOSILLA, renewed their simple profession.
The friars made their profession during the closing Mass of the 15th Meeting of the Youth of Divine Mercy. The liturgy was presided over by Friar Marek WILK, the Provincial Delegate in Paraguay. About two hundred young people participated in the meeting, which was partly virtual – as is often the case these days – and partly in person. The patron for the meeting was Carlo ACUTIS, who was recently declared Blessed. The meeting’s slogan used his words: “The Eucharist is the highway to heaven!” This theme fit perfectly with the main idea of the pastoral year in Paraguay: “He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread” (cf. Lk 24:35).
We thank God for these new confreres who have accepted the challenge to live in the Franciscan spirit

Friar Tadeusz POBIEDZIŃSKI