Our Lady of the Angels Province Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. receives the Solemn Vow Profession of Fr. Julio Martinez, OFM Conv. (kneeling), on December 8, 2016 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception), as witnessed by Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv. (left) and Fr. Richard-Jacob Forcier, OFM Conv. (right seated)

During the Mass in celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th), the friars of St. Joseph Cupertino Friary, in Ellicott City-MD, welcomed the confreres serving in the surrounding area to the Profession of Solemn Vows by Fr. Julio, Martinez, OFM Conv. Four years ago, Fr. Julio professed his Simple Vows on the during the same Feast Day celebration, and has been serving in many ministries throughout the province, including the Shrine of St. Anthony and Archbishop Curley High School, ever since. He has now moved onto his newest ministry as Parochial Vicar at our pastoral ministry of St. Clement Mary Hofbauer Church, Baltimore, MD.
In addition to the friars on hand, Friar Julio’s brother, Jose, joined for an evening that included a celebratory meal and fraternal fellowship after the profession. Fun Fact: Our Minister Provincial, Fr. James taught Jose at what is now called Kolbe Cathedral High School in Bridgeport, CT (then under the direction of our friars and the title of Kolbe Boys High School before it merged with Cathedral Girls High School, in 1976). This was the year that Julio was at St. Joseph Cupertino Novitiate.

Friar Julio signs the document of profession which is placed upon the altar, as witnessed by Friar James

In a December 15, 2013 Facebook post by our pastoral ministry of the Roman Catholic Church of Most Holy Trinity – St. Mary (Brooklyn, NY) it was stated that “with great joy, we welcome Friar Julio Martinez, OFM Conv., “home” to Trinity! Fr. Julio was ordained to the priesthood at Trinity on May 1, 1982 and spent several years here ministering to our people. We are delighted to have him with us on this Gaudete Sunday, so let us rejoice! Praise God!

A very young Friar Julio and some of the youth he served during his years at Most Holy Trinity parish (1981-1985).