by Fr. Blaine Burkey, O.F.M.Cap. Br. Anthony Monahan, 42, of San Antonio Friary, Denver, made solemn life-time profession as a Capuchin-Franciscan brother in the recently-elevated Basilica of St. Fidelis at Victoria, Kan., April 23. The profession ceremony was held during the annual Easter Assembly of the Capuchin Province of St. Conrad being held at the neighboring St. Fidelis Friary. Some 45 Capuchin friars and about 60 family and friends of Br. Anthony attended. Capuchin Minister Provincial Fr. Christopher Popravak received the profession on behalf of the Church. The son of William and Lucy (Mogen) Monahan of Altura, Minn., Br. Anthony graduated from Lewiston-Altura High School in Lewiston, Minn., and earned an associate's degree in applied science from the University of Minnesota at Waseca in 1992 and a B.A. in philosophy from Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary and St. Mary's University in Winona, Minn., in 2007. During the 12 years between the two degree programs, Monahan worked in the hospitality industry. He joined the Capuchins as a postulant at San Antonio Friary in 2008, and in the following year continued training as a novice at St. Conrad's Friary in Allison Park, Pa. Returning then to Denver, he took temporary vows as a Capuchin on Aug. 2, 2010. Since then Brother has continued Capuchin formation at San Damiano Friary, St. Anthony of Padua Friary, and San Antonio Friary, all in Denver. As part of his formation, Brother has served as church sacristan, minister to the sick and homebound, and food bank worker at Annunciation Church, Denver; assistant in the Capuchin province's development program; and minister in many ways to the residents of the Mullen Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor. During the profession ceremony, Fr. Popravak said that despite Br. Anthony's limitations from multiple sclerosis, he is known to all he lives with and all he serves as a hard worker and a humble joyful friar, who always wants to speak only of the good of other people. Brother said he was attracted to the Capuchins by three things: prayer, apostolic work, and fraternity. "What I saw in the brothers, when I came from Minnesota to visit them, was exactly what I was looking for in my life."