Brother Urbano Vazquéz, Brother Mark Pattock and Brother Steve Fernandes kneel before the altar as the Provincial Minister and gathered congregation pray that the Lord who called them to Capuchin life will bless them as they live the rest of their lives in obedience, without property and in chastity in the manner of St. Francis of Assisi, whose entire life was patterned on our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Brother Stephen Fernandes, at left, makes his profession to the Minister Provincial, Father John Pavlik. Brother Steve is originally from Goa, India. He attended Kent State University in Ohio. He was married and has grrown children, who were able to attend his profession in Pittsburgh, PA. Before entering the Capuchin novitiate, Brother Steve was a CapCorps volunteer in Papua New Guinea. He is now studying for priestly ordination.

Brother Urbano Vazquéz is originally from Puebla, Mexico. His family now lives in northern Virginia in the Washington, DC, suburbs. He discovered the Capuchins at Sacred Heart Church in DC. In the photo at left he is signing the document which records his profession. Father John Pavlik, Minister Provincial, is looking on, as is Father Carlos Reyes, a witness to Brother's profession and on the pastoral staff at Sacred Heart Church. Brother Urbano is completing his under-graduate studies at the Catholic University of America, also in DC.

Brother Mark Pattock, from the Phialdelphia area, also signs the documents of profession, as shown in the photo at left. Brother Mark is originally from the Pittsburgh area; however, along with his family, Brother moved to Philadelphia during his childhood. Before entering the Order Brother Mark had several jobs. When he visited the Capuchin church in Center City Philadelphia he listened to the preaching friar and saw the good example of all the friars there. He knew he was being called to become a Capuchin friar. He, too, is completing his under-graduate studies at Catholic University in DC.

Occasions such as a solemn profession are an opportunity for the friars to gather. The Mass of Profession for our three brothers was attended by over 100 friars from all around the world. Obviously, many family members and friends of the three friars also participated in the liturgy.

It was a grand day for the Province. The beautiful liturgy, the presence of so many people, and the witness of three men dedicating their lives to Christ was even more profound because of the presence of many young men (friars, novices and postulants) who have decided to follow Christ as Capuchin friars. God is blessing the Capuchins with solid young men of faith.