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solemn profession: franciscan professes vows at st. augustine's

Story and photos by LIZ QUIRIN
Messenger editor

Brother Juan Rommel Péres professes his vows at St. Augustine’s in East St. Louis.

It was a multi-cultural liturgy at St. Augustine of Hippo in East St. Louis as Franciscan Brother Rommel Pérez professed his solemn vows in the Sacred Heart Province of the Franciscans.

Brother Rommel, from Mexico, has finished a year of work in the Belleville diocese before he leaves for the Diocese of Joliet, Ill., where he will be ordained a transitional deacon Oct. 2.

Speaking little English when he arrived at the friary in East St. Louis and wondering how everything would work out, he was warmly welcomed by the parish community.

Brother Rommel worked through the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry with parishioners at Holy Family in Cahokia and Holy Rosary in Fairmont City.

Since Brother Rommel’s parents do not speak English, provincial Father Bill Spencer’s homily was delivered in English and translated into Spanish by Father Edward Shea.

Father Spencer pointed out that Brother Rommel chose to make his profession on the feast of St. Augustine, in part to honor the patron saint of the church in a parish where he had found a home with many friends.

This is a day to celebrate, Father Spencer told the congregation and to thank the people of St. Augustine’s and Brother Rommel’s parents who first instilled in him the Catholic faith.

“All who know him are grateful to you for your example (as parents) and for the blessing he is to us,” Father Spencer said.

The theme of gratefulness was woven throughout his homily, and in his translation, Father Shea described the need for “an attitude of gratitude.”

Many Franciscans from the province, which is headquartered in St. Louis, attended the solemn profession, and St. Augustine parishioners said they hope to go to Joliet when Brother Rommel is ordained a transitional deacon.