On December 7, Father Raphäel Thierry, provincial of the Mother Province of Perpetual Help, presided over the Eucharist with the renewal of the religious vows of the 12 young men in formation.
In Central America and the Caribbean, each year, our San Alfonso Juniorate formation house in San Salvador, El Salvador, is filled with joy to celebrate the renewal of the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience of each of the juniors. This celebration takes place annually in our parish of Perpetuo Socorro. These renewals remind us that “under the action and strength of the Holy Spirit, Redemptorists strive to achieve the total donation of their being to become, through Christ, a response of love to the Lord ‘who first loved us’ (1 John 4:10). This response is expressed by the profession of the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience” (C.56).
On Sunday, December 7, Father Raphäel Thierry, current Provincial of the Central American and Caribbean Province, presided over the Eucharist and renewal of vows for the juniors at 10:00 a.m. in the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in San Salvador. Twelve young religious of various nationalities renewed their vows. They are: Jarel and Wilmer from Honduras; Ervin, Lenny, and Stanley from Nicaragua; Jacqueson, Jean, François, Djordeen, and James from Haiti; and Saturnino and Óscar from Guatemala.
The celebration was attended by many lay people from our parish, friends, family, and benefactors. It was a very well-attended Eucharist. The Juniorate formation community was present: Fathers Henry Alfonso Soto Navarrete (Community Superior and Formation Director), Manuel Alejandro Gutiérrez Guardado (Treasurer and Formation Associate), and Hairo Edmundo Escobar Cartagena (Pastor).
Also present with them were the five postulants of the house from Nicaragua and El Salvador.
The celebration was marked by an atmosphere of joy, gratitude, and hope for the future of the Redemptorist Congregation, which is on pilgrimage in the Province of Central America and the Caribbean, under the protection of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
During his homily, the provincial reminded the parish community of the need to remain prepared with a sense of ongoing conversion. He also reflected on the experience of the vows of chastity, poverty, obedience, and perseverance in the mission.
In his remarks, he also emphasized that religious life is demanding and, therefore, requires solid faith, as well as human and emotional maturity; for only in this way can one truly serve others; “no one gives what they don’t have,” he stated. He warned each young person against the danger of being trapped by groups or supposed “vocational mentors” who feel they own their vocations, creating ghettos that limit freedom and ongoing discernment.
He reiterated his affection and esteem for each of the juniors and urged them to “always trust in the Lord and do things well.” He thanked the formators and asked them to work towards a guidance that is free, humble, and communion-filled, with one heart and one desire: to serve God through formation.
He concluded his homily with the characteristic and popular cry: “Who causes such joy? The Immaculate Conception of Mary!”
At the end of the Mass, the lay faithful expressed their affection and gratitude toward the young religious with simple gestures of affection and encouragement. We thank God for the life of each of these young men who continue to respond to God’s call with freedom and conscience within our Congregation. May God always grant you fidelity and perseverance.
Fr. Javier Taylor, CSsR.
Provincial Communications Commission
