Four men profess first vows as Conventual Franciscan friars.
While in Novitiate, the men had a cord with no knots. After signing the Book of Profession, the men exchanged these cords for the three-knotted cord representing their vows of obedience, chastity, and poverty. The men were also presented with a copy of the Rule of St. Francis and the Constitutions of the Order.
The Constitutions of the Friars Minor Conventual is a document that seeks to put on paper the original charism of the Order, given to us from our founder St. Francis of Assisi 800 years ago. It then describes how that charism translates into modern terms: How do we take that charism and set policies and rules to live it in all the friaries across the world? The Constitutions must respond to the needs of an increasingly global, diverse, and pluralistic fraternity.
Friar Daniel Devera signs the Book of Profession. He holds a copy of the Constitutions of the Order.
Friar Raphael Maria Harris is greeted and congratulated by his fellow friars.
Group photo with Friars Joseph Mary Paraiso and Kolbe Mary Resler in the courtyard at the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City.
