After a year of novitiate in sunny Santa Barbara, California, Brothers Carlos Velazquez Estrada, Michael Barrett and I will profess our simple vows on July 2nd. These are simple (temporary) vows, meaning they are for the duration of one year. God-willing, I will be invited to renew these vows for a couple of years until I profess solemn vows for life. For anyone who will like to view the vows, they should be livestreamed and recorded through this link. 

During the Rite, I will place my hands into the hands of the Provincial and profess:

To the Praise and Glory of the Most Holy Trinity. I, Brother Kevin Fox, since the Lord inspired me to follow more closely the Gospel and the footprints of Our Lord Jesus Christ, before the Brothers here present and in your hands, Brother Larry Hayes, with firm faith and will: vow to God, the Holy and Almighty Father, to live [for one year] in obedience, without anything of my own and in chastity, and, at the same time, I profess the life and Rule of Friars Minor, confirmed by Pope Honorius, and promise to observe it faithfully in accordance with the Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor. Therefore, I give myself to this fraternity with all my heart so that, through the efficacious action of the Holy Spirit, guided by the example of Mary Immaculate, through the intercession of our Father St. Francis and of all the Saints and supported by your fraternal help, I can constantly strive for perfect charity in the service of God, of the Church and of mankind.

After the Provincial receives the profession, the current cord I wear with the habit will be replaced with a cord that has three knots, representing the three vows.

When I reflect upon the vows, I always note that they must be viewed as a positive, rather than a negative. They must be understood as a life-giving and freeing source. There is a certain freedom that is gained through each of the vows when they are lived authentically and humbly. A freedom is gained through chastity to share the love of the Gospel without the limitations created by a romantic partnership. Through poverty, the friar gains freedom from the need to defend possessions. Through obedience, the friar becomes free from needing to know everything, to always be in control, by trusting the will of God to work through others in leadership. 

I have written extensively on the vows over the last year of novitiate. I have collected quotes from Franciscan sources, scripture, mentors, and much more. There are countless times when I can view the vows as only restrictive in nature rather than freeing and life-giving. However, in those deepest moments of joy, those moments when I feel God’s presence most dearly and tenderly, I see no other path in my life than the vows. 

Please pray for my brothers Carlos, Michael, and myself (see link) as we finish our novitiate and begin this new chapter of our lives.