Br. Brendan Nangur used up the whole of his nine years of simple vows before making his Solemn Profession at St. Anna, Aitape on 14th February. In those nine years after Novitate he spent three at St. Didacus, then three years of Teacher Training at St. Benedict's Wewak, then teaching in Aitape and Wassisi. Half of last year he spent doing a Franciscan Spirituality Course in Bangalore, India.
He went backt o St. Didacus for his Profession Retreat which was directed by Fr. Mattias Conway. At his profession it was following the tradition of two pioneer Franciscan Brothers who also taught in Community Schools (Br. Capistran and Br. Didacus). Br. Brendan is happy to add his name to theirs as he takes up his position as a teacher in Lumi, where he has Br. Leo McCullagh as his Guardian, Fr. Joachim Garu as Parish Priest and Br. Ignatius Wablu as mechanic.
Many friars were present at the Profession as the Definitory Meeting has just ended and the Diocesan Clergy Conference was soon to begin.
Br. Brendan comes from Karaitem, near Lumi. Around 50 or so from his village walked down from Karaitem to Aitape, bringing singsing bilas and lost of food. As we wer still in the 'Wet'season we were not able to assist them with a truck for the last part of the journey. They stayed in the workers' huts owned by the Patrician Brothers underneath Bishop Hill.
For three weeks prior to the Profession the St. Anna Choir had daily practice in the St. Anna Haus Win. They were perfect on the day, and, for once, all the electronic gear worked well.
The Karaitem people brought their kundus and did the Entrance and the Offetory processions. The Provincial, Fr. Eduardo Armenta, was the principal celebrant, assisted by the recently ordained Diocesan Deacons, Dominic Numbanoko and Dominic Yimiten. Br. Capistran Kuwi, Guardian of St. Didacus, was the master of ceremony and Fr. Sebastian Valustaut was the preacher.
Br. Brendan was presented to the Provincial by his sister Margaret Onake and an aunt. His mother was too old and too sick to make the journey. His elder brothers, Joe and Chris, were also there. During the offertory a small shield, representing Br. Brendan's clan, was presented to the Provincial. Bishop Austen Crapp sat with the friars and old Fr. Leo made a special effort to be there.
At the end of the ceremony the well known Headmaster, Stan Ambai, a relative, gave a speech of thanks on behalf of the family.
After the profession light refreshments were served in the St. Anna Community Centre. In the evening the Karaitem people prepared a meal for the friars, the choir and invited guests. There were some speeches from the leaders of the Karaitem parish. Two days later Br. Brendan was back in Lumi teaching.