Thanksgiving Day was extended to Saturday, November 24th, when the Capuchin friars gathered to witness the newest member of the community make his temporary profession at St. Felix Church in Freedon, PA. Brother Richard Owens completed his year as a novice by professing vows for a "trial period" of three years. His family from Philadelphia was able to attend his profession.

Brother Richard's mother, Mary, his brother, Alphonzo, and his sister, Nadirah, presented the gifts of bread and wine for the Mass. Sitting with his mother and nephew, Rashim, Brother Richard listens attentively before he makes his first profession. Above right, Brother Richard and his novitiate director, Father Bill Wiethorn, pause for a photo before the Mass begins.

After his profession of vows, Brother Richard sits with the friars as his young nephew, Rashim, looks across the aisle to see his uncle. Also above, Brother Sean Casey Chitty of Australia, embraces his novitiate classmate Brother Richard. At right, Josephite Father Donald Fest, friend of Brother Richard proclaims the Gospel.