Reported by Fr Paul Melwyn Dsouza, Capuchin

Mangaluru, May 17: The rite of temporary profession of four Capuchin novices was celebrated at Fidelis Friary, Monte Mariano, Fargangipet on Tuesday, May 16. The principal celebrant, Fr John Alwyn Dias, provincial minister, received the vows of novices: Br Melrick Lobo, Br Nevil Glesten Menezes, Br Prajwal Cutinha, Br Franklin Andro, Br Setsiba A, Br Rayan Shavion D’Almeida, Br Movin Saldanha and Br Hovah Gilbert, in the presence of many priests, religious sisters, parents and the loved ones.

Fr Jeevan D’Mello, the novice master called the names of the brothers who requested tolive the vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience, for 14 months. The preacher of the occasion, Fr Robin D’Souza, the second Councillor, said, “The vocation to religious life is a radical call and it is radical in many ways. It is a call to self-emptying love, service and prayer.” In his spontaneous flourish, Fr Dias, provincial minister, dished up some practical advice to the newly professed brothers and profusely expressed his gratitude to their parents and parish priests who sowed the seed of vocation.

The entire religious programme was well organized by the community of Monte Mariano under the leadership of Fr Manohar D’Souza, the guardian. Fr Naveen Moras compered the felicitation programme and the professed Capuchin brothers were introduced by Fr Deepak Fernandes, the assistant novice master.

The Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap), is an autonomous branch of the first Franciscan order of religious men, begun as a reform movement in the sixteenth century. The order remains actively engaged in missionary and pastoral work in different parts of the world. The Capuchin friars of the Holy Trinity province, Karnataka are joyfully living the charism that has made them worthy sons of St Francis of Assisi.