On May 2, 2025, Friars Edgar Varela and Sebastian DeBacker professed their Solemn Vows at the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, Maryland, deepening their lifelong commitment to the Franciscan way of life. The multilingual Mass, celebrated by Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., marked a joyful milestone in their journey of faith and service.
The Feast of St. Joseph the Worker is a day to honor the father of Jesus as well as the friar brothers who serve Our Lady of the Angels Province. Religious Brothers Day is also celebrated on May 1, where, at The Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, Md., the noon Mass was attended by, among many others, eight friar brothers with more watching online.
Being his fellow countryman, I met Bishop Bergoglio in Buenos Aires while living in that city between 1996 and 1997. He was then the auxiliary bishop in charge of the deanery where our friary and Provincial Curia is located. Years later, I returned to the same friary in Buenos Aires and lived there in community from 2007 to 2015, this time as Minister Provincial.
