“All for a great love.” The prayer refrain began a day that will forever remain in the life of Brother Joelson Abreu Rodrigues, C.Ss.R. On Saturday, May 30, the Redemptorist Missionary professed perpetual vows in the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer during a celebration held at 6:00 pm at the Central Altar of the National Shrine of Aparecida (SP).
The Holy Mass was presided over by the Provincial Superior of the Province of Our Lady of Aparecida, Fr. Marlos Aurélio da Silva, C.Ss.R., and concelebrated by bishops, priests, and a deacon. Also present were Fr. Joelson’s confreres, as well as friends and family who had travelled especially from Abaetetuba (PA), his hometown, to participate in the celebration.
As the motto of his Final Profession, Brother Joelson chose the verse from the First Letter of St. John: “He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no scandal in him” (1 John 2:10). This passage expresses the commitment of religious life to live fully his missionary vocation, dedicating himself to proclaiming the Gospel and serving those most in need.
During his homily, the Provincial Superior emphasized the importance of vocational fidelity and generous dedication to the Redemptorist mission. Reflecting on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, celebrated by the Church on that day, Fr. Marlos emphasized how the Christian experience is born from an encounter with God’s love, manifested in the communion between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Today, with the Church, we celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity, the mystery of divine love manifested in our lives. God loved the world to save it, not to condemn it. A world marked by light and shadow, by division and generosity, yet one that continues to be the world loved by God. The mission born of this certainty is to experience communion among us, despite our differences.
Addressing the newly professed in particular, the Provincial Superior recalled the importance of the vocation of the Redemptorist Brother in the life of the Congregation and the meaning of the definitive surrender through perpetual vows, with particular emphasis on the vow of Perseverance.
Perpetual Profession is the confirmation of everything experienced during Temporary Profession. Today, Brother Joelson fulfils this commitment definitively, also taking the vow of perseverance. It is necessary to persevere with joy, dedication, and a profound spiritual life. Religious consecration is a consequence of our baptism and our response to Jesus and his plan. We want you to follow this path with fidelity and enthusiasm.
During the rite of profession, Brother Joelson publicly renewed his religious consecration, definitively assuming the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, thus becoming a Brother in Perpetual Vows of the Redemptorist Congregation.
Source: a12.com — text by Mário Pereira;
Photo: Rian Torres.
