With thanks and gratitude to God, the giver of all vocations, the Province celebrated the vocation of Br. José Leonard “Leo” Rojas Gonzalez with his first profession of vows in Yonkers on July 22.

The Church needs the testimony and the example of its saints, said Fr. Robert Abbatiello, provincial minister, in his homily for the celebration. Noting St. Mary Magdalene’s witness to the resurrection of Christ, he added that the Capuchins’ own testimony, example, and witness are needed, too. And so the world needs Brother Leo’s testimony, example, and witness, Father Robert said.

Like Mary Magdalene, we are called to show up in the darkness to proclaim the light of resurrection with courage, hope, joy, and trust. Through the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, the Capuchins make promises to live the Gospel in acknowledgment of a God who has fulfilled all promises to humanity in the resurrection.

Just before Brother Leo kneeled for the rite of religious profession, Father Robert invited all the friars present at Sacred Heart Church to remember their own first profession of vows and renew their commitment to live the Gospel after the example of St. Francis of Assisi. After making his vows, all the friars present welcomed Brother Leo with the embratio, a moving sign of their fraternal affection.

Brother Leo now enters his year of integration after completing his first two years of initial formation, postulancy and novitiate, outside the Province. He will reside at San Lorenzo Friary in Jamaica Plain, Mass. His formation directors are Br. Lake Herman and Fr. John Koelle.