Profession Day!
Profession Poster
On March 25, the feast of the Annunciation, six new members were received into the Society of Mary. Niño Memorial and Roque Rebito from the Philippines, John GuoWang from China, Daniel Fernández from Spain, Thilo Saft from Germany, and Philip Bennenbroek from New Zealand made first profession into the Society of Mary at the San Nicolas Chapel in Dumalag, Davao, Philippines. It was a beautiful liturgy presided by Fr. Larry Sabud, district superior of the Philippines, and assisted by Fr. Joaquín Fernández (representing the province of Europe), Fr. Brian Cummings (Provincial of New Zealand), Fr. Tim Duckworth from New Zealand, and many more Marist priests from the district. Also present were members of the Marist Sisters, Marist Missionary Sisters, Marist Brothers, Lay Marists, Marianist Fathers and Brothers, DHM Sisters, and many other people associated with us in the novitiate community who have supported us over the past year so generously, including the local Dumalag community. There would have been close to 200 people attending, many who travelled long distances to be with us.
Although it was a hot morning, the liturgy went very smoothly. Fr. Joaquín gave a down-to-earth homily about the reality of everyday Marist life, both the joys and the struggles. The prayers of intercession were said by the six newly professed in six different languages, showing just how international the community is. Also of note was the music which was uplifting and created a wonderful atmosphere for the celebration.
After the liturgy was another kind of celebration at the novitiate house in Dumalag where there was fine food, speeches, singing and laughter. I’m sure the terraces at the house have never held so many people before and it was a good thing we had just had them renovated!
The six new Marists have now gone back to their respective countries or communities and will resume their studies after a short break.
Thankyou to everyone who was involved in and helped to prepare for the profession; thankyou to everyone who came to celebrate with us, and thankyou to those who supported us with their prayers and their messages of support and best wishes. Thankyou also to everyone who made this past year so special for us – far too many to mention here. Most important of all, thanks be to God and Mother Mary for their call to serve them in this way.
Newly professed with formators
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