After the Profession Liturgy, Friar Tim, Friar Franck and Friar Rich take a group photo with the Choeur de Marie Reine du Monde, of Saint Camillus Catholic Church, Silver Spring, MD & Fr. James.

July 30, 2021: Three of our province friars professed their solemn vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, in the presence of many of their confreres, family, and friends. Others were afforded the opportunity to virtually join in the celebration of Friar Timothy Blanchard, OFM Conv., Friar Franck Sokpolie, OFM Conv., and Friar Richard Rome, OFM Conv., as the Solemn Vow Liturgy was livestreamed at 11:00 a.m., from Saint Louis Church, in Clarksville, MD. Br. Tim is a friar brother who has been assigned to work in communications for our Athol Springs, NY ministry of St. Francis High School, beginning in the 2021-2022 academic yearFriar Franck and Friar Rich will continue their studies to be ordained as friar priests. More photos are posted on our Province Facebook Page.

After the Litany of the Saints, and while those to be professed still lay prostrate in front of the altar, Friar James prayed over them.

“Almighty, Eternal, Just and Merciful God,
Grant to our brothers the Grace to do for Your sake what they know to be Your Will,
and ever to will what is pleasing to You…“

• Friar Richard Martin Rome, OFM Conv.
  • witnessed by
    • Fr. Martin Kobos, OFM Conv. and Fr. Michael Lasky, OFM Conv.
• Friar Timothy John Blanchard, OFM Conv.
  • witnessed by
    • Br. Jim Moore, OFM Conv. and Fr. Eric de la Pena, OFM Conv.
• Friar Franck Lino Sokpolie, OFM Conv.
  • witnessed by
    • Fr. Eric de la Pena, OFM Conv. and Fr. Emanuel Vasconcelos, OFM Conv.

Presider & Homilist:
The Very Reverend Fr. James E. McCurry, OFM Conv.
The Very Rev Fr James McCurry, OFM Conv – Homily for Solemn Profession Liturgy – July 30, 2021

Altar Servers:
br. Cristofer M. Fernández, OFM Conv.
friar Antonio Moualeu, OFM Conv.
friar Raad Eshoo, OFM Conv.
friar Michael Boes, OFM Conv.
friar Edgar Varela, OFM Conv.
friar Jonathan García Zenteno, OFM Conv.
friar Sebastian De Backer, OFM Conv.
friar Joseph Krondon, OFM Conv.

Choir:
Choeur de Marie Reine du Monde,
of Saint Camillus Catholic Church, Silver Spring, MD

Master of Ceremonies:
Fr. Brad Milunski, OFM Conv.

Lectors:
First Reading – Mr. Kenneth Rome, father of Friar Richard
Second Reading – Fr. Santo Cricchio OFM Conv.
Intercessions – Mr. Richard Blanchard, father of Friar Timothy

A reflective moment captured by Fr. Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv.