First Professon and Renewal of Vows

On March 19, 2026, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, four novices from the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza made their first profession of vows. Friars Rocco Gil M. Acayen, Carlo Arnel M. Tagulalap, James John Glen M. Galvez, and Louis Ivanh Lloyd M. Cruz professed their vows before the Provincial Custos, Fra Dennis M. Vargas, OFMConv. The celebration took place at St. Joseph Friary in Tagaytay City.

Two simply professed friars also renewed their vows for one year: Friars Charbel Emmanuel M. Araracap, OFMConv., and Giovanni Vincent Kevin M. Elemos, OFM Conv.

In his homily, the Provincial Custos reflected on the Gospel line, “Mary and Joseph did not understand Jesus.” There were questions; there was confusion. And yet their life continued. Their relationship endured. Their responsibility remained.

In our own lives, there are moments when we do not understand what God is doing—in our families, in our work, and in our struggles. Things do not always make sense. We pray, yet there seems to be no clear answer. We strive to remain faithful, yet the path appears uncertain. Often, we say: “Lord, explain it to me, and then I will follow,” or “Give me clarity, and then I will commit.” But the Gospel teaches us the opposite: commit first, and then understanding will follow.

St. Joseph did not fully understand everything about his adopted Son, Jesus. Yet he did not cease to be a father. He did not withdraw. He continued his duty—loving, protecting, and remaining faithful—quietly and daily, without needing full explanation. This is the pattern of faith: not clarity first, but trust.

This is especially meaningful today for our brothers who have made their first profession of the evangelical counsels: obedience, poverty, and chastity. You will not fully understand obedience today; you will come to understand it when your own will is challenged and you choose to remain faithful. You will not fully understand Gospel poverty today; you will understand it when you experience material lack and discover that Christ is enough. You will not fully understand chastity today; you will understand it when love becomes a sincere offering of self—free, authentic, and undivided in Christ. You will not fully understand fraternity today; you will understand it when life with your confreres becomes difficult and you choose to remain.

Understanding will come later—but only if you remain, if you stay, and if you persevere.