Abramo, a native of Guadalajara in Mexico, began his novitiate on October 31, 2006 in the Abbey of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome.
Reverend Father Abbot Don Simone clothed Abramo in the white habit of the Cistercian novice and chose for him the illustrious name of Bernardo. Fra Bernardo is a gifted musician.
I will be for him both a mother and a father, both a brother and a sister. I will make the crooked path straight for him and the rough places smooth. I will temper and arrange all things that his soul may advance and his body not suffer. He will serve the Lord with joy and gladness. He will sing of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord.
Saint Bernard, To the Parents of a Novice
His Excellency, the Bishop of the Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma has given
Father Mark a special mandate to live in adoration before the Most
Blessed Sacrament, in a spirit of thanksgiving and intercession, that he
might make reparation before the Eucharistic Face of Jesus for all his
brothers in Holy Orders. At the same time, he is available to the
priests and deacons of the Diocese for spiritual and sacramental
support in their pursuit of holiness.
Well God bless him! I don't know what it is, but ordinations always make me tear up. I regularly offer my Holy Hour for priests and I will try to specifically remember him in my prayers.
Incidentally, I have been to Guadalajara, 10 years ago. Beautiful city filled with beautiful churches.
Fra Bernardo is beginning his monastic formation. He has already spent a year in the monastery as a postulant, that is, one seeking admission. After a year as a novice, he will able to make temporary vows for three years, after which he will be eligible to be consecratd as a monk in solemn vows. Usually studies in philosophy and theology follow solemn profession. At the end of his studies, a monk may be called to the priesthood by his Abbot.