FEAST OF ST. PIO AND FIRST PROFESSION IN SRI LANKA
It was a great day of joy for the Capuchin Friars of Sri Lanka on 23rd
of September 2015 to celebrate the feast of St.Padre Pio the patron
saint of Sri Lankan Capuchin Delegation. On this occassion six of our
Capuchin Brothers from Pakistan made their First Profession.
The festal mass was celebrated in St. Pio Friary Chapel, Mavila,
Nattandiya of Chilaw Diocese. Many Priests and Religious of neighbouring
community and also good many number of benefactors, freinds and well
wishers attended the festal mass. Very Rev. Fr. Chaminda Fernando, Vicar
General and Episcopal Vicar for Religious of Chilaw Diocese was the
cheif celebrant of the festal mass. He was welcomed by Bro. Rukman by
giving beetal leaves. Rev. Fr. Vincent Gabriel Furtado, the Guardian and
the Delegate Superior of the Delegation preached the inspiring sermon
and encouraged the brothers to commit themselves to the Franciscan
Capuchin way of life. Rev. Fr. Adri Geerts Minister Provincial of
Belgium had delegated the powers to Rev. Fr. Vincent Gabriel Furtado to
receive the vows of the brothers. Rev. Fr. Jeevan Dmello the Novice
Master and the first councilar read out the names of the candidate.
Accordingly, the six Capuchin Brothers from Pakistan viz., Brothers
Sajawal Saleem, Abran Masih, Tazeem Saghar, Jamil Masih, Robinson Asiq
and Salis Maurice made thier First Profession.
Bro. Anton Periera was the master of ceremony of the the festal mass.
Bro. Nishanka conducted the felicitation programe and wished brothers
very well for their Religious life. The Choir from Katwapitiya Parish
sang the meladious hymns for the mass. Rev. Fr. Vincent Gabriel Furtado
congratulated all the newly professed brothers and thanked all the
people who made this event a great success. He also specially thanked
the Minister Provincial of Belgium Rev. Fr. Adri Geerts, Custos of
Pakistan Rev. Fr. Francis Nadeem and all the friars of Pakistan. After
the mass there was refreshment for the people and a dinner was served to
all the priests, religious and friends.
