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The long-awaited Solemn Profession of Armand Mercier, OFM, and Daniel Gurnick, OFM, joyously arrived on August 20th, 2009. Referred to as a “rare occasion” by Franciscan Provincial Minister Dennis Vavrek, OFM, the Solemn Vow celebration is only the third of its sort for the Western Canadian Friars in the last 20 years. The result of what seems to be a resurgence of Franciscan religious life in Western Canada, the August 20th event could be the beginning of a trend for the Province of Christ the King. Set to go out “two by two”, says Friar Kevin Lynch, OFM, “we have three classes totalling six fellows in formation. This bodes well for our future!”
Joined by family, friends, and friars from across
western Canada as well as Quebec and the United States, Armand and
Dan made their solemn commitment to live the Gospel as members of
the Franciscan community at St. Mary’s Church in Cochrane, Alberta.
In gratitude for their chosen vocation, both thanked those who have
supported them along the journey, specifically the brothers
themselves. “I came to the Franciscans because of an idealistic
(even false) understanding of who Francis was”, said Dan Gurnick,
OFM, “and I stayed because I came to see Christ in my brothers more
and more.” “This is what I have been called to do: live the Gospel
with the help of the Most High and Glorious God”, Armand Mercier,
OFM, added.
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