By Dcn Júlio Mota, SDB

Parañaque City, the Philippines, 23 July 2016 -- Last Saturday, 6.30 am (PST), the Seminaryo ng Don Bosco, which houses Salesians from various countries in the EAO Region and beyond, joyfully witnessed the renewal of vows made by Cl. Ferdinandus Ola Amang, SDB and Cl. Viktorius Koli Koten, SDB in the presence of Fr. Anthony Paul Bicomong, SDB, Provincial of the FIN. Both clerics come from the ITM Vice-Province. Fr. Paul, as Mass presider and homilist, beautifully situated the renewal vows in the context of the readings.

In his inspiring and yet challenging homily, Fr. Provincial invited the brothers, especially the two who made their renewal of vows, to reflect on the greatest reason for making a religious profession, which is that God the Father has consecrated us to himself in our baptism; God himself has called and sustained us in our vocation to live in community with a mission to do. In line with the parable of weeds among the wheat, he reminds the confreres that there is an imperfect reality in which we will do our mission. Our mission will not be filled with roses (wheat) only, but there are will be thorns (weeds) as well as Don Bosco dreamed and experienced in his mission. Thorns and weeds could be our difficulties and trials that we experience, problems both from outside and inside us even after we have professed. With God’s grace, we strive to live out the vows and will not let ourselves to be subjected to the evil one, to the difficulties and problems.

To end the homily, Fr. Provincial reminded the two, that they are not alone. The Divine Sower continues to strengthen them, the presence of Our Lady who welcomed them when they first entered a Salesian house, to call all Salesian saints and to invoke the help of confreres. The support of grace and the community from whom a professed will meet the daily help in his fidelity to profession.

With a prayerful ambience, the two brothers renewed their vows in front of Fr. Provincial, accompanied by two witnesses, Fr. Francisco Hernandez, SDB (FIN) and Fr. Gwang Hyun Marcelo Baek, SDB (Vice – Provincial of KOR Province). Together with the students of theology, there were nine concelebrating priests, including Rev. Fr. Mario Yamanouchi, SDB (Superior of Japan Province). Let us continue to pray for one another as we journey towards the eternity. Congratulations, Brothers!!!

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