15 years ago on this day...
June 21, 2002, the day marked as my first commitment (first vows) to the Society of Jesus. We were 13 of us, of which six are ordained priests, two will be ordained soon, two professed brothers and three have found their new vocation in married life.
The memory of the day is still vivid to me. Our novice master made sure that we were ready spiritually. We had eight days retreat just before the vows day. During retreat, just to compile together all my sentiments and feelings, I composed a song which was sung on the vows day.
I don't claim that I was ready for three vows or I knew the intrinsic meaning of the three vows. At the end of two years of noviciate, I applied for vows and was given permission to pronounce three vows in the presence of Fr Provincial. I enjoyed the day with my companions. I enjoyed the festivity. I enjoyed the greetings of the many Jesuits, "welcome to the club."
After 15 long years, I am convinced that three vows were three traffic signals that directed my journey. I begin to realize that these vows never bound me rather set me free. They helped me to be more real human being. They helped me to acknowledge my shortcomings and failures.
Today, after 15 long years, I am reminded that the grace of the Lord is with me. It is an assurance that he accepts me as I am. Perhaps, today he invites me to build a bridge between my real self and actual self...
June 21, 2002, the day marked as my first commitment (first vows) to the Society of Jesus. We were 13 of us, of which six are ordained priests, two will be ordained soon, two professed brothers and three have found their new vocation in married life.
The memory of the day is still vivid to me. Our novice master made sure that we were ready spiritually. We had eight days retreat just before the vows day. During retreat, just to compile together all my sentiments and feelings, I composed a song which was sung on the vows day.
I don't claim that I was ready for three vows or I knew the intrinsic meaning of the three vows. At the end of two years of noviciate, I applied for vows and was given permission to pronounce three vows in the presence of Fr Provincial. I enjoyed the day with my companions. I enjoyed the festivity. I enjoyed the greetings of the many Jesuits, "welcome to the club."
After 15 long years, I am convinced that three vows were three traffic signals that directed my journey. I begin to realize that these vows never bound me rather set me free. They helped me to be more real human being. They helped me to acknowledge my shortcomings and failures.
Today, after 15 long years, I am reminded that the grace of the Lord is with me. It is an assurance that he accepts me as I am. Perhaps, today he invites me to build a bridge between my real self and actual self...
