Professing his final vows on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Br. Justin Freeman made the life-long commitment to a life of chastity, poverty, obedience and the fourth vow according to the Rule of St. Augustine and the Constitutions of the Order of Our Lady of Mercy.
Br. Justin Freeman, O. de M.
The Profession took place at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Philadelphia, PA. His vows were received by Fr. Richard Rasch, O. de M., Vicar Provincial. He was joined in this blessed event by his family, local community and fellow classmates at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Fr. Anthony Fortunato O. de M. gave the homily.
UNITED STATES VICARIATE – On July 8, 2009, eight Mercedarians renewed their simple vows for a period of one year. After first profession of the vows of chastity, poverty, obedience, and the fourth vow in accordance with the Constitutions of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy and the Rule of Saint Augustine, friars annually renew their vows for a period of three to six years. After the period of simple vows, the religious make their solemn vows (or perpetual vows in Canon Law).
The renewal of vows took place in three different locations as the friars engaged in their summer assignments. Br. Gerard Snell, Br. Justin Freeman, Br. James Chia, and Br. Scottston Brentwood renewed their vows at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Cleveland with Fr. Richard Rasch, O. de M. receiving their vows in the name of the Order and the Church.
Fr. James Mayer, O. de M. received the renewal of vows by Br. Raymond Colombaro and Br. Matthew Whetzel at the Casa Massabielle (Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Philadelphia).
Br. David Spencer and Br. Daniel Bowen celebrated their renewal in the Chapel of the Sorrowful Mother at Marytown (Libertyville, IL). Fr. Matthew Phelan, O. de M. received the vows of these brothers who were attending the Liturgical Institute at the Unversity of Saint Mary on the Lake (Mundelein, IL)
(Left to Right) Br. David Spencer, O. de M., Father Matthew Phelan, O. de M., Br. Daniel Bowen, O. de M.
