When a Capuchin friar is ready to make his final, lifelong commitment to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to the Rule of St. Francis and the Constitutions of the Capuchin Friars Minor, he makes his perpetual profession of vows. It is one of the most important, and most beautiful, moments in his journey in the footsteps of Jesus and Francis of Assisi. Solemn profession marks the conclusion of initial formation and the beginning of an adventure of a lifetime in the Capuchin Order.

On Friday, July 17, 2026, Br. Yovani Salas, a member of the Province of the Sacred Stigmata, made the leap of faith and made his perpetual profession of vows at St. Francis Church, the Capuchin parish in Hackensack, N.J. Br. Robert Perez, provincial minister of the Stigmata Province, received Brother Yovani's vows. 

In addition to the friars of the Stigmata Province, many friars of the Province of St. Mary came to celebrate this milestone in Brother Yovani's faith journey. A good number of our friars have gotten to know him well. Indeed, for one year, 2024-25, Brother Yovani lived in our Province at St. Michael Friary in Brooklyn, N.Y., while he was in post-novitiate formation. Increasingly, the friars from our respective provinces are living in each other's fraternities and collaborating in ministry as we discern the prospect of reunification as one Capuchin province.

Brother Yovani offered these words of gratitude:

"I began my discernment journey in 2018 when I moved to Wilmington, Del., to live with the friars. At that time, I was eager to be a friar -- driven by the vigor of youth -- but I had to wait until I finished my undergraduate studies. God was already teaching me the virtue of patience.

"When I entered postulancy, making solemn vows felt like a distant dream. I didn't think about it much, because I had learned not to fix my eyes on the future, but to live each day as if it were my last.

"Today, at this anticipated moment, I finally stand before God, the friars, my family, and you, the faithful, to declare my commitment to live as a Capuchin all the days of my life. I pray that I may always remain faithful to this promise, with the help of you -- my brothers and sisters -- who will pray for me."

For many more photos from the celebration, please click here and also here for albums.