Today, December 20, the historic Convent of the Desert of Candelaria writes a new page in its more than four centuries of history. Within the framework of the Jubilee Year 2025, four young men have completed their year of probation and, in the presence of their families and the religious community, have made their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as Augustinian Recollects.
The new religious are Friar Edgar Martín Velásquez Velásquez, Friar Luis Marcos Valencia Acosta, Friar Deivy Taborda Vargas, and Friar Lenny Alexander Martínez Martínez.
The solemn Eucharist was presided over by Monsignor José Alejandro Castaño, while the reception of the vows was in charge of the authority of the Province. The celebration includes the emotional presence of the parents of the new friars: Mrs. Sandra Isabel and Mr. Mauricio (Lenny’s parents); Mrs. Sonia Estela and Mr. Adolfo (Deivy’s parents); Mrs. Mariana and Mr. Gerardo (Luis Marcos’ parents); and Mrs. Jesús Isabel together with Mr. José Martín (Edgar Martín’s parents), who have given their children to the service of the altar.
Novices of the Jubilee and Hope
During the homily, the message focused on the historical and spiritual importance of this group. The preacher reminded them that their formation has taken place in a unique context:
“Do not forget having been the novices of the Jubilee Year of Hope and the beginning of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV. There will be no second novitiate for you”.
Recalling the history of the place, it was evoked that these young men join the tradition initiated in this “desert” in 1604, 421 years ago, walking through the same cloisters where illustrious friars of the American Recollection prayed.
The “Yes” that transforms Christmas
In tune with the Advent readings and the figure of the Virgin Mary, the reflection has highlighted how an affirmative response to God has the power to change reality. “Thanks to Mary’s ‘Yes,’ the vocation of the consecrated glimpses horizons”, the preacher pointed out.
In a moving way, religious profession was compared to the mystery of Christmas:
“Thanks to the Virgin’s yes, in December the world shines, the food is different or tastes better… Vocation is fulfillment and life acquires meaning”.
Like Mary, who was not looking for “transitory gifts” but to give a response of humility, these four young men today have not sought something special for themselves, but to offer their lives so that the world may have hope.
The Vows: Noble challenges, not burdens
Far from presenting religious life as a series of prohibitions, the message to the newly professed has been one of freedom and fullness. “The vows that you are going to profess will not be a weight or an uncomfortable burden; they will be the noblest challenges that will give meaning to your life”.
The three evangelical counsels were defined with a renewed theological depth:
An invitation to trust
Upon concluding the rite, the final invitation has been to live this commitment not as a personal competition, but as “a gesture of abandonment and trust”.
With the protection of the Virgin Mary and Saint Augustine, Friar Edgar, Friar Luis, Friar Deivy, and Friar Lenny begin their journey today as professed religious, carrying with them the experience of the desert and the joy of having responded, like the prophet: “Here I am because you have called me”
