Hi everyone,
As promised — Eric is now officially a Novice, and officially Br. Mario Jose!
In his words, the reason for his choice:
“Mario because of my strong devotion to Mary, especially Our Lady of Fatima; and because that was Uncle Bud’s chosen name (he was my mother’s brother, a Franciscan priest also who died at the age of 33), and because it is Italian, and my time in Rome was so important in me becoming the person I am now.
Jose because of St. Joseph, husband of Mary; because it was grandpap’s name and Aunt Theresa told me that he wanted to be a priest but because he was the oldest and his family was poor he needed to help support them; and because it is Spanish and my 2 years in Honduras was so important to me and who I am now.”
So in honor of Mary, Joseph, and our family!!
Pretty great reasons, huh?
Please keep Br. Mario Jose (although he will always be “Eric” to us) in your prayers, especially during this novitiate year! Thanks for all of your love and support!
Peace and blessings,
Lori and Gerry (Eric’s parents)