For the Franciscan family and in particular for the Custody of the Holy Land, Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6 were days of great symbolic value. On the first day, in the evocative setting of the Sanctuary of La Verna, four novices made their first Religious Profession, thus taking a fundamental step in their journey within the Order of Friars Minor. The following day, instead, the joy continued with the rite of clothing of the new novices inside the friary of Montefalco.
Two events that instill joy, but also hope. Two symbols of continuity in the long Franciscan journey, which this very year celebrates the 8th Centenary of the Transitus of the Poverello of Assisi. And which also represent seeds of trust for a Custody that gathers around its brothers in a moment of great trial for the whole Holy Land.
With the pronunciation of the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience into the hands of the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Francesco Ielpo, the four newly consecrated - Fr. Giona Costa Furtado de Almeida, Fr. Nouryan Istifan, Fr. Jarder José Rodrigues Leite and Fr. Srour Michael Ebrahim Agha, offered their lives in the service of God. But in these vows, there is also being part of that Custody that watches over the Places of Redemption and over those "living stones" represented by the Christian community.
The entire community thus gathered in prayer around Fr. Giona, Fr. Nouryan, Fr. Jarder and Fr. Srour. To them the task of following in the footsteps of Saint Francis along with the affection of their confreres, sisters and the faithful guided by the words of Psalm 22, "And I shall live for Him". While for the young men who received the habit in Montefalco, the closeness of the Custody and the entire Franciscan family will be of great support in one of the most important moments in the journey of faith. A passage that represents a time of prayer, study, fraternity, but above all of discernment. Central elements to be prepared for the evangelical life and to follow the rule and the path of the Saint of Assisi.
Lorenzo Vita
