Page 29 - tmt-december-2020

THREE BROTHERS PROFESSED

the Evangelical Vows for the First Time

Bro. Jim Brent B.Lacdao, OSJ

’ANNUNZIATA PARISH – Victoria Homes Subd., hour of their lives especially now that they have
Muntinlupa City. Bro. John Rey C. Basañes, consecrated themselves to God in religious life.
LBro. Christian Jay O. Embad, and Bro. Anthony
B. Sayno publicly professed the vows of chastity, By the end of the Eucharistic Celebration, the
poverty, and obedience for the first time last May 26, assignment of the newly-professed brothers were
2020. Valid for a period of one year, their profession announced as follows: Bros. John Rey and Anthony
was made into the hands of the provincial superior, were assigned at OSJ Minor Seminary in San Jose,
Rev. Fr. Jayson D.C. Endaya, OSJ. Rev. Fr. Arnold C. Batangas. Meanwhile, Bro. Christian was assigned at
Rosal, OSJ and Rev. Fr. Romeo T. Pornel, OSJ acted OSJ College Seminary in Lipa City, Batangas.
as witnesses. As prescribed in Can. 648 §1 of the
1983 Code of Canon Law and in Article 101 of the A simple lunch was prepared for the visitors who
Constitutions of the Oblates of Saint Joseph (XVII attended the celebration. Since the profession
General Chapter), their religious profession marked was made in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic,
the completion of their twelve-month novitiate. In invitation was limited only to those who partook
this regard, they became official members of the roles in the celebration (i.e., altar servers, priests,
congregation – particularly of the junior professed and witnesses). Even their family members were
of the Province of St. Joseph. not present considering the travel and health
safety protocols implemented during Enhanced
In his homily, Fr. Jayson stressed that following Jesus Community Quarantine.
is more than a lifestyle; it is a way of life – an Oblate
way of life. He went on saying that religious life in After all, what mattered was that they professed
the Oblates of Saint Joseph is dying from oneself the vows, “completely convinced and aware of
and living hiddenly active in God through Christ. He their dedication to God, with an adherence to an
concluded with the words of the founder, St. Joseph evangelical mindset, and with complete mastery of
Marello to strive for holiness every minute, every themselves” (see, Art. 75, OSJ Constitutions).