Photo courtesy of Linda Cacpal

With Franciscan Capuchin Father Gordon Combs are the newly professed Secular Franciscans, from left, Paul Sulkowski, Aida Morales, Liz Ishimitsu, Carolyn Kawamoto and Percy Cuizon. Standing behind them are the ministers of the local fraternity, Chad Parker, Franciscan Sister Patty Schofield and Linda Cacpal.

Five make professions as Secular Franciscans

Oahu’s Secular Franciscans welcomed five new members into its Fraternity of Blessed Mother Marianne Cope on Nov. 17 in the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel at Hawaii Medical Center West.

Celebrating the rite of profession after three to six years of formation were Paul Sulkowski, Aida Morales, Liz Ishimitsu, Carolyn Kawamoto and Precy Cuizon. Capuchin Franciscan Father Gordon Combs, spiritual assistant for the fraternity, celebrated the Mass and presided over the profession rite.

The rite is similar to the perpetual vows made by those in religious orders. Those making the profession are consecrated to lifelong service for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, promising to live in the secular world according to the Gospel, observing the Rule of the Secular Franciscans.

The fraternity welcomes men and women, single and married, to study the life of St. Francis and St. Clare, and to build a more fraternal world through acts of mercy and compassion, especially for the poor and needy.

The fraternity meets at 10:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of every month in St. Francis Chapel. Those interested may contact Linda Cacpal, 487-7994, or go to the fraternity website, www.secular franciscansoahu.com.