Yes, ‘Fiat, Eccomi!’ in renouncing to oneself for Christ.

In a world which is run by selfishness, self-centered, egoistic, and at the limit full of indifferences, to choose to renounce to oneself for Christ is a miracle. And we were called to witness such a miracle this day, May 31, 2017 through the first Profession of the Evangelical Counsels of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience in the footsteps of Don Orione in imitation of Christ. Six (6) Novices from the Philippines, Jeric B. BATAS, Antero C. MEHOS Jr., Jose Antonio O. OGARDO, Randy N. PASUENGOS, Czar Lawrenz B. PONAYA, Nestor T. TAROY Jr.), two (2) from Kenya, (Simon MUGURO, Vincent MUNGAI) and six (6) from India, (Vijay BALREDDY, John DAISTON, Devid KERKETTA, Petrus KULLU, Vijaya BHASKAR, Christopher RAYMOND) are have made the first profession of religious vows in the Congregation of Saint Luigi Orione, into the hands of Rev. Father Anthony Eucinei DESOUZA, FDP, taking the place of Rev. Father Tarcisio gregorio VIEIRA, FDP, Superior General of the Congregation. And this was in the Chapel of the Saint Luigi Orione Seminary.

It is not surprising that this celebration took place on the feast day of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. Mary for us Sons of Divine Providence is the “Heavenly Foundress” of the Congregation as says Saint Luigi Orione. She is the true example of self-giving. She was having a personal plans and projects of life. To be the beloved wife of the handsome, God fearers, obedient and hard-worker man, Joseph of Nazareth, this was all that she wanted the most. God however will erupt in this dream of the young lady. Mary, lovingly gave-up her own plan and took-up God’s project, and became Christ-bearer. This is called religiously, self-giving. And not only that Mary will give an example of true religious life, but she will become also Christ-giver through her fraternal visit to her cousin Elizabeth, sign of Fraternal Charity. Another sign of religious life. With humility, she arose and went to share her joy with her cousin, and also share the joy of her beloved Elizabeth.

Our fourteen (14) Brothers, making today the vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience are entering into the school of Mary to become Christ-Bearers, Christ-Givers and Christ-Lovers. With them, nine (9) other Brothers have renewed their Religious Vows.

A special thanks to all of them, and especially to their parents who have accepted to give them freely to the Church through the Congregation of the Little Work of the Divine Providence. May the grace of God, the intercession of Mary Mother of God and Mother of the Church, the love of Saint Luigi Orione and our brotherly the fellowship help them to be faithful.

With our newly profess brothers and united to the whole Congregation, our souls proclaim the greatness of God and our hearts exult in the Lord our Savior for the gift of Religious Life.