The Solemn Profession of Br. Michael Charron and Br. Colin King
Br. Michael Charron, OFM, (left) and Br. Colin King, OFM (right) receive applauds from Provincial Minister Fr. Jeff Scheeler, OFM, and Br. Adam Farkas, OFM
‘How blessed we are’
Side by side, brothers make the promise of a lifetime
On this day, of all days, it’s OK to brag.
At the solemn profession of Br. Michael Charron, OFM, and Br. Colin King, OFM, at St. Clement Church in Cincinnati, it’s no surprise that parents, siblings, friars and friends have a lot to say, much of which can be summed up in a comment from Br. Michael’s dad, Robert:
“He’s just a good person. One lady told me he is a good person from the inside out.” Is there anything better you could say about a son?
“Michael’s a man who if he has a vision won’t rest until he sees it through,” says Sacred Heart friar Br. Bob Barko, OFM, who today serves as Cross Bearer. “Colin engages you and you feel like you’re being listened to. It’s an honor to be able to call them brothers.”
“They’re special” is the opinion of Michael and Colin’s former teacher, Sr. Madonna Hoying, SFP.
And they are both seekers, according to those who know them best. “I was floored” when Michael became a friar, says his sister, Monica. “Michael was always trying to find out what he wanted to do. I never expected him to join the Church.”
According to Colin’s mother, Norah, “This was the culmination of a journey Colin has been on for years.” And since he’s been a friar, “There’s an increasing serenity about him, a peace. There was a sense he had really found a home.”
Joy is contagious
Fr. Bonaventure Bai, OFM
Tone doesn’t transmit to print, but the sentiment in her words, in the words of pretty much everyone, is pride. Those who have accompanied Colin and Michael on their journey have turned out in force today to envelop the pair in what feels like a group hug. “I welcome all of you to this wonderful celebration on this beautiful day,” says celebrant Fr. Jeff Scheeler, OFM. He nods to Michael and Colin and thanks “the many people who have inspired them and encouraged them along the way.”
After the two have been called, before the Interrogation, comes the homily by Fr. Bonaventure Bai, OFM, who had earlier admitted to a case of nerves. “I’m honored and humbled to be homilist today,” says Fr. Bonaventure, who shares the assessment of his language skills from former Guardian Br. Gene Mayer, OFM: “I have a Chinese [friar] speaking English with an Italian accent.”
But Bonaventure’s message comes through loud and clear. More than witnessing this event, he says, “We are also part of it.” He says Colin and Michael are “truly a great gift”, and analyzes the vows, stating them in the familiar colloquial terms: “No money, no honey, no funny”. Bonaventure asks, “How can we survive without money, without family or children?”
A solemn vow is, he says, “a more strict, perfect consecration to God. To consecrate is to render sacred, to make Jesus the center of all your existence,” or as today’s second reading from Corinthians says, “’You are Christ’s body.’ …When we have an intimate relationship with God, we will not be afraid to be a poor man.” As friars, “We are delighted to let the world know how rich we are.”
A warm welcome
Yes, he admits, “We are sinners, but we are redeemed sinners, transformed by his love.” Brothers are called, he says, “to live not alone but in our community. It builds us up and transforms us.” When Chinese native Bonaventure arrived in Italy in 2009, he opened a letter from a brother of SJB Province. “The last sentence was, ‘Welcome, my dear brother. I am looking forward to meeting you.’ It warmed my heart that cold winter. …How blessed we are to have this big family.”
All in the family
Br. Roger Lopez, OFM, guides the helpers
Following the homily comes the Interrogation, which somehow sounds more resolute when two are saying, “I do.” When the Profession is over and the Solemn Blessing is bestowed, brothers line up for a fraternal welcome that will, for some, require hugs on tiptoe to reach two tall guys.
The convergence of families is complete when Colin and Michael’s four nieces bring forward the altar cloth, bread and wine. Petite twins Evelyn and Lauren Rossi struggle to reach the altar and, mission accomplished, are so pleased with themselves they dance to their seats, one of them giving a celebratory fist pump that is appreciated by all.
Celebrant Jeff has obviously been moved. “Look around this full church,” he says after Communion. “When you offered your applause I felt the energy and spirit.” He describes his own feelings. “I have the awesome privilege of sitting here in front of you as they place their hands in mine and make their life commitment. I wish all of you could experience this. We cherish the gift you have given us today.”
To Michael and Colin’s relatives, he says, “We know you cherish your sons,” and he assures them, “You haven’t lost a son. You’ve gained a whole lot more sons and brothers.”
And from this day forward, they have even more to brag about.
This article was originally posted in the SJB News Notes August 28, 2014
Photos by Fr. Carl Langenderfer, OFM
Br. Colin and Br. Michael sign the Book of Life held open by Fr. Dan Anderson, OFM
