PITTSTON — Alongside three other candidates for profession, and surrounded by friends and relatives who have supported him throughout his life and in his formation, John Baldino, OFS, made his lifelong profession to the Secular Franciscan Order on Sunday, Feb. 21. The profession took place during Holy Mass in the Chapel at St. Joseph Oblates Center in Pittston, where members of St. Joseph Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order gather in community each month.
Rev. Jerome Wolbert, OFM celebrated the Mass with concelebrants Rev. Robert Simon and Rev. Gerald Gurka. Rachel Baldino, wife of newly professed John Baldino, OFS, served as leader of song with Linda Houck of Holy Family Parish as organist and director of music. Council and professed members of St. Joseph Fraternity, and priests of the Diocese of Scranton were among those assembled at the chapel, where the Baldino and three others vowed to live the remainder of their lives by the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order. The Rule calls brothers and sisters of the Order to live the Holy Gospel, bringing it to life each day, and leading by example.
Baldino entered formation with the Secular Franciscans in 2013, two years after completing one year of priestly formation at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He left seminary knowing the priesthood was not his calling, and continued to discern God’s will for him.
Post-profession, Baldino plans to continue his career in media and follow his profession promise to live the Gospel life, evangelizing by example in his family life, work, and apostolate service and focusing on the virtues of holiness, humility and charity.
