On August 14, 2023, the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Assumption, Friar Antonio MOUALEU, OFM Conv., a member of the Province of Our Lady of the Angels in the USA (OLA), professed his solemn vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. The ceremony took place at the St. Francis High School Chapel in Athol Springs, New York, USA. Friar Antonio’s request to make solemn vows was granted by the Minister Provincial of OLA, Friar Michael HEINE, OFM Conv., and his Definitory. Friar Antonio professed his vows before Friar Michael, saying: “for the entire time of my life.”
Friar Michael said, “Wherever the friars are, there is Antonio in their midst. You will do anything too make the friars’ lives easier and our lives better. Yes, Doctor Antonio, you will be teaching science and math. Both are important. But continue to be a witness of God’s love by living out your vows.”
The Most Reverend Gregory J. HARTMAYER, OFM Conv., Archbishop of Atlanta, Georgia, USA, concelebrated. About seventy friars were in attendance; they welcomed Friar Antonio into solemn profession with a fraternal embrace. More than two dozen members of Friar Antonio’s family, including his parents, were present. Many were dressed in the colorful clothing of his native Cameroon.
This past summer, Friar Antonio went on a month-long solemn vow retreat where he reflected and prayed in order to prepare more intensely for his August 14 celebration. He said he feels called to be a religious brother.
Friar Antonio spent last year, his apostolic year of formation, living in community at the St. Francis of Assisi Friary in Hamburg, New York.
Friar Antonio was born in Douala, Cameroon, to Christophe and Eugenie MOALEU. He is the third of four children. His siblings are Leolein, Amanda and Nellie. He attended Collège Libermann, a Jesuit-run high school in Cameroon. In early 2004, he moved with his family to Dallas, Texas, USA. While working in the nursing field, Friar Antonio attended Texas A&M University where he received a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering. He earned an Master of Science in biomedical engineering from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech University.
In 2022, Friar Antonio was assigned to St. Francis High School in Athol Springs, for his fraternal/apostolic year. During the summer of 2022, he completed his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech University. He remains on the faculty at St. Francis High School.
Kevin A. KEENAN, Director of Communications
Photo:
Friar Antonio MOUALEU, OFM Conv., professing his solemn vows of poverty, chastity and obedience while kneeling before the Minister Provincial of OLA, Friar Michael HEINE, OFM Conv.
