On October 4, 2018, the Conventual Franciscans of the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania, celebrated the Solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi, together with the Capuchins and religious from the “Opera Don Calabria” congregation at the friary in Roman.
The Most Reverend Petru GHERGHEL, Bishop of Iaşi, presided over the Mass, which took place in the chapel of the Franciscan Theological Institute.
During the Mass, nine deacons were ordained: four from the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, four from the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and one from the Congregation of the “Poor Servants of Divine Providence” (Opera Don Calabria).
Those concelebrating included the Minister Provincial, Friar Teofil PETRIŞOR, OFM Conv.; the Provincial Custos, Friar Lucian-Iosif DUMEA, OFM Cap.; Father Gustavo-Ismael LISSA, a representative of the Major Superiors of the Opera Don Calabria and Father Ivo PASA, the General Delegate from the same congregation. In addition, over one hundred priests attended along with seminarians, consecrated persons, the families of the candidates and a large number of faithful.
The new Conventual deacons are Friars Felix-Marian BLAJ, Alexandru DÂNCĂ, Mihai-Gabriel JITARU and Ionuţ TOTU.
During his homily, the bishop presented the figure of Saint Francis of Assisi as an ever-present model for deacons and for all the faithful. He should be imitated above all in his poverty, humility, simplicity, and in his love for the crucified Christ and the Church. These traits can also be seen in the life and witness of faith of St. John CALABRIA.
We are grateful to the Lord for the gift of the new deacons and we ask for the grace to always be courageous witnesses in service to the Gospel, the altar and the poor, in the image of Christ who came to serve and not to be served.
Friar Virgil BLAJ, Provincial Secretary
