After three months as an aspirant, three months as a postulant and 12 months as a novice, Brother Bernardo D’Carmine made temporary vows as a Franciscan of Life.
The vows are obedience, poverty, chastity and a fourth vow to proclaim the Gospel of Life. Brother made vows during a solemn celebration of evening prayer (vespers) on January 18, 2016 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Chapel in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Presiding over the Liturgy of the Hours was Rev. Mr. Scott Joiner. Deacon Scott also preached the “exhortation” reminding us all that one man’s conversion can change the Church and history, referring to the Seraphic Father, St. Francis of Assisi. 
The first step is to embrace the poverty of Christ and his most blessed mother. He also reminded the Franciscans of Life that we are an outgrowth of a long and venerable family that is more than 800 years old, with more than 100 different congregations, orders, societies and institutes. Today, there are almost one million Franciscan men and women around the world, secular and religious, lay and cleric, men and women. It all began with one man who responded to Christ’s call to “rebuild his house.”
Deacon Scott witnessed the profession, but he did not receive the vows. Brother Jay Rivera, superior of the Franciscans of Life, received the vows. Mrs. Tina Handal led the singing with the litany of Franciscan saints and blessed. She did an outstanding job for the Lord and the community that was present. She has an incredible spirituality and a voice that expresses it beautifully. Extern brother, Chris Handal and regular brother, Leo Belanger were the witnesses to the profession. Present were friends of 
Brother Bernardo’s from his days at university, other friends from the area and his mother, Mrs. Angela Torres. The group was small. The ceremony was simple, dignified, reverent and above all, prayerful.
Brother Bernardo will continue graduate studies in computer science, computer engineering, theology and philosophy. In addition, during the period of temporary vows, the brother continues his Franciscan formation with studies in Franciscan history, spirituality, rule and constitutions, Franciscan pastoral practices, and Sacred Scripture. Along with classes at the university, several hours per week active in the apostolate, a life in community, the brother is also homeschooled in Franciscan studies and Scripture. The years as a “student-brother,” as we call those in temporary vows, are very busy and exciting years. The most exciting part of all is the brother’s knowledge that his life now belongs to Christ and to the voiceless.
Litany of Saints
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Franciscans of Life 
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