Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

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Simple Profession of Vows

On July 15, the Feast of our Province’s Patron, St. Bonaventure, friars gathered to witness the Simple Profession of our brother, Friar James Carlo Muzzey, who completed his canonical period of probation as a Novice. Friar James (taking the Religious Name ‘Carlo,’ after soon-to-be-Saint Carlo Acutis) was blessed to have his parents and a close friend present.

After the Psalms were prayed and the Reading read, the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Bonaventure, Fr. Paul Joseph Langevin, OFM Conv., preached a beautiful ferverino reflecting that in order for us friars to truly live the Vows we have to acknowledge that it is only possible if we fully cooperate with Christ’s work of salvation and rely on the intercession of Mary Immaculate. We, like Mary, “magnify the Lord” by living out our Vows faithfully, and are called to keep the Word alive in our hearts. 

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Friar James Carlo was then called forth to be questioned about his intentions regarding the living of the religious profession and his desire to conform himself to Christ by his adherence to the Evangelical Counsels (Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience); to each question he whole heartly agreed. Kneeling and placing his hands into those of the Minister Provincial, Friar James Carlo professed his three vows. He was then invested with the knotted cord and the Franciscan Rule and Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual.

They then approached the altar, where Friar James Carlo signed the Book of Profession. All the Professed friars present then came forward to wish Friar James Carlo their congratulations. To signify his membership in the fraternity, Friar James Carlo came to sit with the friars, symbolically “leaving mother and father behind” to follow Christ.

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Friar James Carlo was then called forth to be questioned about his intentions regarding the living of the religious profession and his desire to conform himself to Christ by his adherence to the Evangelical Counsels (Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience); to each question he whole heartly agreed. Kneeling and placing his hands into those of the Minister Provincial, Friar James Carlo professed his three vows. He was then invested with the knotted cord and the Franciscan Rule and Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual.

They then approached the altar, where Friar James Carlo signed the Book of Profession. All the Professed friars present then came forward to wish Friar James Carlo their congratulations. To signify his membership in the fraternity, Friar James Carlo came to sit with the friars, symbolically “leaving mother and father behind” to follow Christ.

Solemn Vespers concluded with the chanting of the Magnificat, Intercessions, and the chanting of the Our Father. Following the final prayer and blessing, all present sang the Salve Regina in honor of Our Blessed Mother, entrusting our brother Friar James Carlo to her maternal care and protection.

Afterwards, the Marytown community provided a delicious spread for dinner and dessert. A great time of fraternity was enjoyed by all. We ask everyone to continue to pray for Friar James Carlo as he will soon begin his studies for the priesthood at the House of Formation in San Antonio, TX, in the coming weeks.

Safeguarding Statement

The Franciscan Friars Conventual of St. Bonaventure Province are committed to creating safe environments for children and vulnerable adults.

Every friar in active ministry must complete training in Virtus (the National Catholic Risk Retention Group) and any other safe environment compliances required by the dioceses in which they serve.

In addition, St. Bonaventure Province has its own Safe Environment Commission that oversees the implementation and monitoring of the Province’s Policies, Procedures, and Protocols for Ethical Ministry with Minors and Vulnerable Adults. 

Any allegation regarding the Franciscan Friars Conventual of this Province receives an immediate response. This includes the Province’s full cooperation with local law enforcement authorities and Ordinaries who have ecclesial jurisdiction over these matters, as well as a duly diligent investigation by a qualified third party in order to substantiate credibility.