Congratulations to our confreres Elizah Terua and Sylvester Namuno, pictured here with our Capuchin brother Bishop Don Lippert. They pronounced their final vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in a joyful and Spirit-filled Mass celebrated at Mother of the Divine Shepherd Cathedral, Mendi, on Wednesday, January 25th. Custos of our Custody in Papua New Guines is our brother Neil Blue who received their vows. In notifying the Province of the blessed event, brother Neil writes:
The Profession Mass was well attended by a good number of Capuchin brothers, religious men and women, priests of the Diocese of Mendi, and many faithful. Present in a special way were the parishioners from Ulga, Western Highlands Province, the home area of Br. Elizah Terua, as well as the faithful from Kumin and the Upper Mendi Parish, where Br. Sylvester Namuno carried out his pastoral ministry during the past year. Br. Elizah Terua also completed his pastoral ministry at Kumin Cathedral Parish.
The celebration was prayerful and joyful, and everything went smoothly . . . We were also blessed by the presence of Bishop Don and Br. Ray, who joined the faithful in giving thanks to God for the gift of these two brothers to the Church and to our Capuchin fraternity. We give thanks to God for His faithfulness and for calling [our brothers Elizah and Sylvester] to commit themselves permanently to the Capuchin Franciscan way of life. We also thank the Province of St. Augustine for your continued support and fraternity with us.