Friar Bishop Michael Martin, (l-r) Minister Provincial Friar Michael Heine, Friar Sebastian DeBacker, Friar Edgar Varela, and Vicar Provincial Friar Gary Johnson.

In a Mass prayed, preached, and sung in Dutch, Spanish, Latin, and English, Friar Edgar Varela, OFM Conv., and Friar Sebastian DeBacker, OFM Conv., made their  Solemn Vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience before Our Lady of the Angels Province Minister Provincial Friar Michael Heine, OFM Conv., on May 2, at The Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, Md.

Friar Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., bishop of Charlotte, presided. Friar Gary Johnson, OFM Conv., and Friar John Koziol, OFM Conv., were principal concelebrants.

Minister Provincial Friar Michael Heine blesses Friar Edgar Varela and Friar Sebastian DeBacker.

During his homily, Friar Michael said, “We come together to witness and celebrate our two friars, who will give their lives totally to the Lord in the way of Saint Francis. I am unsure if we ever had a solemn profession during the sede vacante – the empty chair of Saint Peter.

“The attention given to Pope Francis and your solemn profession tells the world that Saint Francis and his way of following the Lord are still relevant. As our minister general (Friar Carlos Alberto Trovarelli OFM Conv.)wrote: “To us Franciscans, his choice has always told us that our charism was alive, deeply relevant, and could still offer something to the world. For us, it marked the beginning of a renewed purification of our charism – a reflection on the depth of our way of life – so that we, too, might be witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in today’s world.”

Born in Zottegem, Belgium, Friar Sebastian is the son of Sabine De Schuiteneer and has three siblings: Björn, Bianka, and Ben. He is now in his apostolic year in Chicopee, Mass., serving at the Basilica of. St. Stanislaus and with senior friars in nursing care at Enfield. During field placements for his Master of Social Work from The Catholic University of America, he interned in psychotherapy and hospice care. He also spent a summer assignment in Rensselaer, N.Y., assisting the friars. Friar Sebastian has an MA in theology from the Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium).

“For me, these vows are not abstract ideals,” Friar Sebastian said of solemn vows. “They are how we commit ourselves more deeply to our baptismal calling. They are meant to shape us into Eucharistic people who live lives of offering, communion, and self-gift. It’s not easy. We often fail. But as I keep saying, the grace is in the trying, in the returning to the source of all.

“Making my solemn vows is not just a moment of commitment but a deepening of my desire to share in the graces I receive. I desire to live a life not rooted in power but in humility. I am not searching for certainty but for a deeper fidelity – fidelity to the quiet, daily acts that honor our shared human dignity. Personally, I feel God is calling me to do this as a religious brother.

Friar Edgar was born in Phoenix, Ariz., the son of Manuel and Maribel Varela. He has four siblings: Yessenia, Erica, Sergio, and German.

“As I prepared for profession of solemn vows and diaconate ordination, I’m thankful to Almighty God for the call to religious life,” Friar Edgar said. “I’m blessed to know that I have my fellow Franciscan friars so that together we may strive to walk in the footsteps of the Risen Christ and bring His love and mercy to all. Please remember to pray for me as I take these next two steps in my religious and priestly formation.”

Each friar knelt before Friar Michael, folding their hands between his on the Book of Gospels, and recited the profession formula.

His current assignment is at Blessed Sacrament Parish and School in Burlington, N.C. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Loyola University in Chicago, and Master of Divinity from The Catholic University of America.

Friar Edgar will be ordained a deacon by Bishop Martin on May 3, 2025, as his journey to the priesthood continues.

“Today, as you place your hands on the Gospels, into my hands, and through me into the hands of the Church, we are all reminded of our baptismal call. Your yes strengthens all of us in our own yes. Your courage inspires us. Your love enflames ours,” Friar Michael said.