Renewal of Religious Vows in PNG

By Cl. Bernard Kaiau, SDB

Kumgi, PNG, 13 May 2018 -- On Sunday the Feast of The Ascension of the Lord, Cl (=practical trainee, candidate to the priesthood) Bernard Kaiau SDB renewed his vows for three years in the Society of Salesians of St. Don Bosco at Don Bosco Shrine, Simbu Province - PNG. It was a well organised program. The Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Robinson Parappilly and liturgy was sponsored by ‘his’ beloved hostel students. Being a national Salesian, Cl. Bernard became witness to the faith of his young peers. It was both inspirational and motivational for young people of Papua New Guinea.

The Salesians in practical training play a unique role in every Salesian Education system. They are guardian angels among the young. We learn in the Sacred Scriptures about angel as messengers of God and protector from dangers. The Salesian assistants are aptly called guardian angels because they play this role through their personal example of virtue and the religious life amidst the young and the Catholic faithful. The vows are personal commitment to Jesus and a sure path to sanctity. The religious vocation is a call to consecrate one’s entire life to God by taking the three vows of religious life: obedience, poverty and chastity. By abandoning everything to embrace this life, the Salesian religious seeks to glorify God through a closer union with Him.

By the Vow of Obedience: This vow strikes at the root of what men hold most precious: their will. He who is truly determined must abandon this too into the hands of God by submitting to the commands and judgments of human superiors who represent Him. This is the most difficult, and thus the most meritorious act of the religious, for it will encompass every aspect of the rest of his life.

By the Vow of Poverty he abandons the possessions of this world and embraces a very simple life style and gives up administration of all earthly goods, which distract him from his goal.

By the Vow of Chastity: The Salesian renounces the legitimate joys of married life for something higher: love for Christ and His Church, completely unhindered by the cares involved with a life in the world.

May Cl. Bernard will be an example of poverty, chastity, and obedience to us all!

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