The rule and life of the Order Friars Minor Conventual is to observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ by living in obedience, without anything of one's own, and in chastity.
Friars Edgar Varela and Sebastian DeBacker made their solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, on May 2, at the The Shrine of St Anthony in Ellicott City, Maryland.
For me, these vows are not abstract ideals. They are how we commit ourselves more deeply to our baptismal calling. They are meant to shape us into Eucharistic people who live lives of offering, communion, and self-gift. It’s not easy. We often fail. But as I keep saying, the grace is in the trying, in the returning to the source of all. Making my solemn vows is not just a moment of commitment but a deepening of my desire to share in the graces I receive. I desire to live a life not rooted in power but in humility. I am not searching for certainty but for a deeper fidelity – fidelity to the quiet, daily acts that honor our shared human dignity. Personally, I feel God is calling me to do this as a religious brother.
As I prepared for profession of solemn vows and diaconate ordination, I’m thankful to Almighty God for the call to religious life. I’m blessed to know that I have my fellow Franciscan friars so that together we may strive to walk in the footsteps of the Risen Christ and bring His love and mercy to all. Please remember to pray for me as I take these next two steps in my religious and priestly formation.
Friars Edgar and Sebastian made their vows before the Our Lady of Angels Minister Provincial Friar Michael Heine. Conventual Franciscan Bishop of Charlotte, Michael T. Martin, presided. Friars Gary Johnson and John Koziol were the principal concelebrants.
Friar Edgar was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Martin on May 3 at the Shrine of St. Anthony.
This is a call to service, a call to go out into the peripheries to serve the lowly, the poor, and afflicted, anyone in the margins. It is a blessing for me to share this ministry with my brother deacons and all the Franciscan friars.
Learn more about friars Edgar and Sebastian and see many more photos at olaprovince.org
May God bless them, their ministries, and the people they serve as they continue in the steps of St. Francis.
