Renewal of Vows

On Tuesday, June 8, 2010 I renewed my Simple vows! Why? The answer is simple, since I professed my Simple vows for the first time 3 years ago (July 21, 2010) and I am in Costa Rica for the year, my vows would have expired during my time here - hence why I renewed my Simple vows before I came to Costa Rica. God willing, August 15, 2011 I will profess my Solemn Vows.
Here is a picture of me professing my vows. The picture was taken by Erin Craine.

For those who are interested here is the Vow Formula that the friars profess:

To the praise and the glory of the Most Holy Trinity, I, Friar Nader Nabil Ata, inspired by divine grace to follow the Gospel more closely in the footsteps of our Lord, Jesus Christ, with faith and will, in the presence of my brothers, into your hands Friar James, vow to God, the Holy and Omnipotent Father, to extend my Simple Vows for 15 months to live in obedience, without anything of my own, and in chastity. I also promise to observe faithfully the life and Rule of the Friars Minor confirmed by Pope Honorius III according to the Constitutions of the Order of Friar Minor Conventual. Therefore, I commit myself to this fraternity with my whole heart, so that, by the working of the Holy Spirit, the example of Mary Immaculate, the intercession of our Father Francis and all the Saints, with the help of my brothers, in service of God, the Church and humanity, I may attain perfect charity.

Response of the Provincial:
And I, in the name of the Church and our Brotherhood, receive your vows and on part of Almighty God, if you observe them, I promise you eternal life.

The parts of the Vow Formula that are italicized are that way because they are the parts of the formula that changes depending on the Friar, the Provincial, the type of vows (Simple or Solemn) and the length of the profession (Three years, One year, or for life)

I try to renew my vows each day as well because I think it is important and a great reminder to me that my life is in God's hands and is for God's People.