On September 1, 2023, young Ciprian SIMON began his novitiate year. The next day, Friar Vasile PERICICĂ made his simple profession. Friar Damian-Gheorghe PĂTRAȘCU, the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania, presided over both ceremonies, which took place at the Holy Trinity Convent in Pârâul Rece, Romania.
The ceremony signaling the start of the novitiate year for Ciprian SIMON took place during Evening Prayer on September 1. After the psalms and the reading were proclaimed, the Novice Master, Friar Anton HERCIU called out the name of the candidate. Next, the Minister Provincial spoke to those present and explained the meaning of the novitiate year and the journey a young man must undertake before reaching solemn profession and the priesthood. After the homily, the candidate was vested in the habit of probation and was presented as a new novice.
On September 2, at 10:30 a.m., Friar Vasile PERICICĂ made his temporary profession during Mass with the Minister Provincial presiding and several priests of the Province concelebrating. The Minister Provincial asked the candidate a series of questions and then spoke the prayer of blessing over him. At the end of the blessing, Friar Vasile professed his vows into the hands of the Minister Provincial, promising to live for one year in poverty, chastity and obedience, according to the Rule and lifestyle of the Friars Minor Conventual.
After the Rite of Profession, the liturgy of the Eucharist continued. At the end of the Mass, Friar Vasile thanked all those who contributed to his formation. Before the final blessing, the priests and faithful present went out into the courtyard, to the new grotto dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Minister Provincial blessed this new place of prayer. The Guardian of the friary, Friar Ioan BUTACU, thanked the benefactors and all those who collaborated in the construction of the grotto. After the final blessing, all those present spent some fraternal time together.
We congratulate these brothers of ours on the important step they have taken in their formation journey and we invoke the blessing of the Heavenly Father upon them.
Friar Cezar DĂMĂTĂR
