August 16, 2025
On July 20, 2025, four candidates to the Postulancy Program—Bro. John Dave Pastrana (Kalibo, Aklan), Bro. John Benedict Bayangos (Laurel, Batangas), Bro. Jan Wayne Garcia (Lumban, Laguna), and Bro. Neel Martin Completado (Binangonan, Rizal)—were formally accepted in a simple rite at St. Joseph Formation House, Tagaytay City. The ceremony, presided over by Friar Emmanuel Giva, OFM Conv., Provincial Custos, was witnessed by the friars of the community.
During the rite, the brothers were vested in grey polos and received the Tau Cross, symbols of their belonging to the Franciscan Order and their identity as postulants. This moment marked the beginning of their formation journey toward a life inspired by St. Francis of Assisi.
These four candidates were initially part of the San Damiano Aspirancy Program, which provides accompaniment and discernment while living with their families before formal acceptance.
A second rite of acceptance followed on August 2, 2025, welcoming three more young men: Bro. Jay Cezzar Melgar Molleda (Legazpi City), Bro. Baby Boy Diaz (Mondragon, Northern Samar), and Bro. Danilo Corpuz Jr. (Pangil, Laguna). They successfully passed the Summer Search-In organized by the Office of the Vocation Director.
With these two batches, the Custody accepted seven new postulants this year. The Conventual Franciscans give thanks to God for these vocations and pray that these brothers, with open and humble hearts, may faithfully discern their calling and grow in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.
Author
Fra Raphael Ysulan, OFMConv.
