On August 14, 2023, the Feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Provincial Custody of St. Francis Anthony Fasani in Vietnam joyfully celebrated Mass during which six novices made their first profession of vows.
The Provincial Custos, Friar Joseph TRẦN (Văn Long), presided over the Mass and received the vows. Friar Joseph NGUYỄN (Xuân Trường), a former Director of the St. Anthony Seminary and former Guardian of the St. Anthony Friary (Hồ Chí Minh City), came from Australia and gave the homily. Most of the friars of the Custody came for the Mass since they had already gathered for the Community Week celebrated August 7-11, 2023.
The newly professed confreres are Friars John NGUYỄN (Văn Luận), Peter MAI (Phương Nam), John Baotixita TRỊNH (Văn Thoan), Vincent VŨ (Duy Thăng), John Baptist TRẦN (Đức Tuyên) and Vincent NGÔ (Văn Tuyền). Many blessings to God for giving us these brothers.
Until now, profession celebrations always took place at the church near the St. Anthony Friary in Hồ Chí Minh City. This was the first year such a celebration took place in the front yard of the Annunciation Friary (also Hồ Chí Minh City). About 350 guests were present, most of whom were family members of the newly professed friars. The rest were benefactors of the Custody and religious sisters and brothers close to the Annunciation Friary.
After the Mass, the participants were invited to stay for a fraternal lunch with the friars. This was a special opportunity for the families of friars and for benefactors of the Custody to come for the Mass of profession and visit one of the friaries of the Custody.
Friar Joseph NGUYỄN (Chính Luận), Custodial Secretary
