Brothers Jick de Leon and Engel Freed Java made their Perpetual Vows in Kidapawan
The 6th of June 2024, the feast day of St. Marcellin Champagnat, marked a memorable occasion for the Marist Brothers of East Asia Province. The young brothers, Br. Jick de Leon and Br. Engel Freed Java made their perpetual vows at the Notre Dame of Kidapawan College, Kidapawan, Philippines, a place that holds great significance for them as it was there that they discovered distinct meaning of their vocation to religious life.
Donning the theme “Everything is Grace”, it was a moment for the entire province to reflect upon the grandeur of how well the spirit leads in the lives of these two young men and how it brought them to this path despite their humble, timid beginnings in the institute.
The ceremony was presided over by Bishop Noel Pedragosa, a long-time Marist mission partner at Diocese of Malaybalay, Bukidnon. In his homily, he emphasized the great importance of following Mary’s example as a “motherly disciple who brings people closer to Jesus.”
Their vows were received by the Marist East Asia Provincial Br. Allan de Castro, on behalf of the Superior General, Br. Ernesto Sanchez. There was a great number of Marist Brothers in attendance, along with the other branches of the Marist Family. Gracing the rite were hundreds of delegates from different congregations and schools where the two were previously assigned.
The joyful occasion marks a new chapter for Brothers Jick and Engel as they commit themselves for life to Marist way of life.
