8 Young Men Accepted into Postulancy During Feast of St. Anthony of Padua

A spirit-filled celebration marked the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua as thirteen young men were formally accepted into the Postulancy Program of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (OFM Conv.) on June 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Main Church of St. Joseph Spirituality Center in Tagaytay City. The celebration also coincided with the 3rd Priestly Anniversary of Friar Bernard Ma. Anuta, OFMConv., Postulant Director, who presided over the Holy Mass.

Eight young men were officially accepted into the Postulancy:

• Bro. Czen Micah Reganit (33) of Tarlac
• Bro. Rolly Raganit Domingo (29) of Davao De Oro
• Bro. Eloy Jan Escalante (27) of Parañaque City
• Bro. JM Samson (20) of Rizal
• Bro. Nico Felisimo (18) of Sorsogon
• Bro. Aldin Jay Sol (18) of Camarines Sur
• Bro. Jake Liado (17) of Leyte
• Bro. Jake Jailo Araojo (17) of Northern Samar

The Holy Mass was concelebrated by the friars of the community, with the homily delivered by Rev. Fr. Alfonsus Panaligan, OFMConv., while the Rite of Acceptance was administered by Fra Miguel Sumagaysay, OFMConv., Guardian of St. Joseph Friary and Spirituality Center.

In his homily, Fr. Alfonsus encouraged the young men to persevere in prayer and remain faithful in their vocation journey, following the example of St. Anthony of Padua, whose life was marked by humility, wisdom, courage, and unwavering commitment to God despite challenges and difficulties. The Gospel proclamation to “go into the whole world and proclaim the Good News” was also emphasized, highlighting the missionary nature of Christian life and the call to witness Christ through formation and service.

After the homily, the Rite of Acceptance officially welcomed the young men into the Postulancy Program as they publicly expressed their desire to continue their formation in the Franciscan way of life. Before the final blessing, the community participated in the traditional Blessing of St. Anthony’s Bread, a sign of charity and sharing inspired by the saint’s compassion for the poor and devotion to the Eucharist.

The celebration was attended by members of the Franciscan Family, together with the postulants’ families, relatives, friends, benefactors, collaborators, and devotees who gathered in support of the young men as they responded to God’s call. It concluded with thanksgiving for the gift of vocation and the 3rd Priestly Anniversary of Friar Bernard.

The Postulancy Formation is forming a total of thirteen (13) men currently undergoing formation in the Postulancy Program. The celebration serves as a reminder that God continues to call young people today to respond with faith, courage, and perseverance.