The 6th October saw an emotional evening for the occasion of the temporary profession of Joseph Ciappara and Walter Vassallo. The concelebrated Mass took place in our Franciscan Church in Valletta and began at 6.15pm and was presided by Fr. Provincial Paul Galea OFM together with the friars and two Italian Franciscan priests who lived in San Damiano with Joseph and Walter. One of them was the Master of their Novitiate.
During the homily the Provincial greeted Joseph and Walter and reminded them of an experience he himself lived when he was in San Damiano shortly before they returned to Malta. All the friars of San Damiano had positive comments to say regarding them. Another important issue that he mentioned was the important step that Joseph and Walter are engaging in by saying YES once again to God’s will, this time by professing and promising that, for one year, they will live in the Gospel way of life of the Rule of Saint Francis of Assisi, in a life of obedience, without any property, and in chastity. The last part of his homily he stressed with a strong voice speaking on the importance of the family values. The family values that are the fulcrum of the vocation of Joseph and Walter and the importance that family values have, remain strong in today’s world and are the basis of more vocations. It is important that every family prays for more vocations.
After the homily the rite of the Simple profession began. First Walter then Joseph promised that for one year they will live in obedience, without any property, and in chastity. They pronouned the formula of profession contained in the Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor, in front of the Fr. Provincial. After this, they where given the Rule and Constitutions, of the Order upon which they promise obedience. Then as a visible symbol they changed the cord which now has the three knots that represent their vows. At the end of the rite, in a warm and emotional atmosphere, the congregation greeted them with a long applause.
At the end of the Mass in the name of the Province together, their new Master Fr. Stephen Magro OFM gave then as a present the Sources of St. Francis and the newly printed Sources of St. Clare. Then some letters were read, one sent by the Provincial of Umbria and other letters sent by their friends in Assisi and Sicily, who promised them their prayer.
The Mass singing was animated by the Rabat GIFRA and after the Mass the congregation was invited to continue this feast with a reception in the friary.
