The first Idente Missionary from South Korea, Jinwoo Michael Nam, professed his perpetual
vows on May 14, 2022, at the Church of Our Lady of Solace in the Bronx, New York, during a
Mass presided over by Father Fernando Real, Procurator General of the Idente Missionaries.
In his homily, Idente Missionary Father Felipe Rufes, Pastor of Our Lady of Loretto Parish in
Hempstead, New York, spoke about the process Michael had gone through since they met in
Manila, and how this brother had assimilated the Idente charism during the years of his
university studies in Manila. After completing his university degree, he returned to Korea for his
military service, then moved to New York, where he professed vows and began his seminary
studies, ultimately reaching this step of the profession of perpetual vows.
Concelebrants of the Eucharistic celebration included Father Joseph Caccavale, professor at St.
Joseph’s Seminary of the Archdiocese of New York; Father Fernando Negro, Provincial
Superior of the Piarist Fathers of the USA and Puerto Rico; Father Robert Badillo, M.Id,
Provincial Superior of the Idente Missionaries in the USA; Father Felipe Rufes; Father Francisco
Sanchez, M.Id, Parochial Vicar of Santa Maria Parish in the Bronx; the associate priest from Our
Lady of Solace Parish, Father Emmanuel Sebamalai; and Father Kevin Panameño of the
Archdiocese of New York. Also present was Elaine Schenk, M.Id, Provincial Superior of the
women’s branch of the Idente Missionaries in the United States, who, at a joyful and fraternal
reception following the liturgical celebration, offered a toast, quoting our Martyrial Sacra and
giving thanks to our Heavenly Father for the life, vocation, and perseverance of our brother
Michael.
