A grateful heart: Words of thanksgiving for the celebration of the Perpetual Profession

Today on the Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Xaverian delegation of the Philippines is graced to celebrate the Final profession of 4 Xaverian brothers at St. Francis Xavier Parish. Due to the event, they share their faith and vocational Journey experiences by expressing their gratitude for the gift of consecrated life. 

Erik Tjeunfin

I am Erik Tjeunfin, SX 30 years old from Indonesia. I have been Xaverian since 2007, and I made my first profession in 2010.

I feel very happy and excited to do my final profession as a Xaverian Missionary. Because by His grace, my collaboration and others help, I finally made it.

When my parents got married, they promised to live and die for each one of them and for us their children. In my case, by making the final profession, I want to state clearly that my whole life is offered freely to God through the Xaverian family. I desire to live and die for God's mission which is to proclaim the Gospel to those who did not know it yet.

My message to the youth is: God does need your help to proclaim his message and deeds.

Handrianus Masri

I am Handrianus Masri, SX 31 year old from Flores, Indonesia. This coming August I will be in the fourth year of studying theology in Manila, Philippines. I entered Xaverian Congregation in 2007 and professed my first vows in 2010.

There is a 'saying' in Tagalog: 'Kami na po'  simply means to admit officially that they (a boy and a girl) are in a relationship. In regard to this final profession, the admition of 'kami na po' becomes very significant for me since I professed officially that I am in 'a relationship' (better to say Married to) with God through the Xaverian Missionaries. 'Kami na po,' demands in my part a life-long commitment to Him and self-giving to Him, to the Church, through the mission of the Xaverian Missionaries for the proclamation to the non-Christians. This 'kami na po'  also is a profession of my readiness to be responsible and faithful to Him with humility and freedom. The 'kami na po' is my YES to Him to be His and belong to Him forever.

Anong feelings kaya pag may forever ka? (what is your feeling when you are in a relationship, or again better to say get married-Final profession?). First, syempre masayang masaya! A super Joy! Joy because I am married to the One that I love so, and who loves me so unconditionally. I am going to live with Him forever together with the Xaverian Missionaries. Second, I feel challenged. This commitment is not easy and for the most I am fragile. It is challenged because I am unworthy and realize it is not because of me, but God. I know that my 'boat' will be like Peter's buffeted by the strong winds and waves, but I believe He is there for me; "Do not be afraid, it is I" (Mat. 14: 22-23). I believe I am in his good hand in the Xaverian Missionaries family. For I am still and will be always like clay in 'Potter's hand (Jer 18:6) to be shaped by him, closer to him in Xaverian Missionaries. 

The invitation for all, especially the youth: All of us are chosen to be his disciples by following Him more closely, and loving him with his love through our deeds and words in every single moment we have and every decision we take/choose. 

Antonius Sutatno

My name is Antonius Sutatno, SX. I come from Indonesia, Central Jave, Wonogiri, Indonesia. I was born on August 05, 1987. I entered to the Xaverian Missionaries in Indonesia, Jogyakarta on August 27, 2007. Then, I did my first profession on July 01, 2010 in Bintaro, Indonesia.

For me, the final profession is very important and it has deep meaning. It is important because by doing final vows, I move one step more for my formation becoming a priest. It has deep meaning because final vows will bring me to a big responsibility of being "married to God."  It means I dedicate all my life to God to praise, serve, and glorify God in my deeds and words. Therefore, my relation to my fellow human beings, God, and all things visible and invisible is underlined.

My feeling about this event is Wow!!!. I am happy, and at the same time fearful. I am glad because God has chosen me to become one of the "beloved." I am fearful because I will have a big responsibility for carrying my vows, but I do believe that the grace of God is upon me.

I would like also to invite the young people to see, hear, smell, and touch the goodness of the Lord by reflecting their deep vocation and at the end become ready to dedicate themselves to God. This dedication can be in different ways, but if God calls you to become a brother, priest, or sister do not be afraid. God will guide and give grace to you. We need only to say "Yes" Lord.

Patrick A. Fornah

My name is Patrick A. Fornah, SX. I was born on March 15, 1987, in Northern Sierra Leone, West Africa. I am the second child of six siblings and the second the Xaverian Missionary of my country. Reflecting upon God’s love in my life and looking at the events of these years and all the people who compose it brings me in gratitude. It is with a grateful heart l say “thank you God”. A “thank you” with a big big heart. Professing my final vows in the presence of a community of people gathered around me in the name of Christ reminds me that this vocation is not my vocation but a vocation for the Church, for the world, and for everyone! Therefore, everyone (past and present) that have made an appearance in my life has left an indelible imprint and contributed to the ‘bigger’ picture, bringing me to where I am now. I can only hope that my gratitude can find its expression in prayer and in sharing with you that I am truly happy to arrive at this day. Thank you to everyone. May God bless each one of you, your families and communities as I hold you close in prayer today and always.

My special message and invitation go to young people who are so near to God, and whose faith I have come to admire, which is childlike without ever being childish: do not be afraid to offer your life to God! I encourage you to respond to the invitation of the Lord. If you feel that you are called to the Xaverian life and Charism, embrace it as a gift that the Lord gives you! Do not be frightened by the initial discouraging reactions from family, friends, and relatives. At the initial stage of my journey, I received both positive and negative reactions. Some welcomed my intention, others discouraged it. God always holds the true project for us. Open your heart and listen to the silent whisper of God’s voice within you. In that silence of your heart, He speaks to you to “go into all the world and proclaim the good news to all the nations” (Mk. 16:15).