Peace be with you!

My name is Nader Ata. I am a Conventual Franciscan Friar of the Our Lady of Angels Province, USA. I am a transitional deacon preparing for Priesthood Ordination in the fall.

Seeking to live with Franciscan Joy each and every day!

*All of photos on this blog were taken by me unless noted otherwise. Please ask permission before using them. Thank You!*

*Also I am not the greatest speller or writer in the world, so please let me know if something is misspelled. Thank you!"

Enjoy!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Solemn Vows

Hello Everyone! Well as you can tell I have not been faithful to my blog at all, but today is a new day!

On September 17, 2011 on the Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Baltimore, Maryland I professed my Solemn Vows to the Conventual Franciscans along with Nick my classmate. Below is a photo of the inside of the Church. On this day I made the lifelong commitment to live the life as a Franciscan Friar.
Nick and I walking in
 Me Praying
A cool photo of Nick and I
Nick and I prostrating on the Church floor before professing our vows. During this time the Litany of the 
Saints is being prayed by those present at the Liturgy. Before professing our vows we as the saints to be us and guide us.
A close-up of me.
Me professing my vows
 Nick professing his vows
The Fraternal Embrace: this is when Nick and I are welcomed into the community as Solemn Professed friars
 Nick, James (Our Provincial) and I
 Me and my witnesses: Fray Jorge and Br. Tim
Me and my Family
Me and all those who went to CUA - where I met the friars and where my vocation was initially discerned
 The desserts at dinner that night
A photo of my cousin Andre and my niece Sophia. He came out to support me all the way from Canada.

It was a wonderful and powerful experience for me. I am so happy and thankful to God for the grace of my vocation and the support of the friars, friends, and family.