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Mission Costa Rica 2007 
In February 2007, Friar Michael Lorentsen flew from the colds of Syracuse, New York to the Central American nation of Cost Rica. In the two weeks he was there, Friar Michael met Anna Hickner and Liesl Schumacher (Spanish speaking FrancisCorps volunteers who are at the halfway point of their volunteer year), witnessed the first profession of vows of two young friars, and continued to develop relationships with his brothers from Latin America.
In their dedication to Christ and belief in community, the Latin American friars are the same as their brothers all over the world. When a village runs out of water, the friars build a well. When local children get involved in gangs and drugs, the friars set up programs to keep them off the streets. The basic idea is to improve the quality of life for everyone concerned. A marked difference between Latin American friars and their American brothers is one of culture. Whereas in the United States a Catholic mass follows a solemn tradition, in Latin America it is suffused with the excitement often seen in Evangelical churches.
The novices studying at the formation house in Costa Rica come from not only Costa Rica, but also Bolivia and Peru. Speaking with them allowed Friar Michael to gain a deeper understanding of the Church in South America. The Peruvian and Bolivian friars expressed a lot of enthusiasm for the Church and their ministries, even though their lives may often be difficult. Bolivia and Peru are both troubled nations. In the former social tensions are rife after the 2005 election of President Evo Morales. Peru suffers from a chronically weak economy and consequently a low standard of living.
Faced with such circumstances, the friars rely on their own community for strength and perseverance. Their work never stops; someone always needs help. But following St. Francis of Assisi’s example, they understand that the only way forward is to continue building a better, more just world in the name of Jesus Christ.
Photos of a Profession
of Temporary Vows in Costa Rica
Minister Provincial Justin Biase, OFM Conv. presided at the celebration
of the Eucharist and accepted the vows of the two newly professed friars.
After professing his vows, friar Marco Vinicio Umaña Juárez signs his vows
on the altar as Friar Justin Biase, minister provincial looks on.
A fraternal embrace of welcome into the vowed life and this fraternity.
With his hands in the hand of the minister provincial and on the Book of the Gospels, friar Walter Lóaisiga González vows to live in obedience, without anything of his own and in chastity according to the Rule of St. Francis.
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