First and final professions in Nebombo

A beautiful blue Sri Lankan morning greeted the people who came to Maris Stella College, Negombo to witness the first profession of Brothers Hettiarachchige Pradeep (Sri Lanka), Wang Peng (China), Xia Baoxuan (China), Rubel Nokrek (Bangladesh), Lê Danh Thưởng (Vietnam); and the final profession of Brother Jiji Dhasan (India) as well as the renewal of vows of Brother Dulaj Fernando (Sri Lanka) .

This sacred occasion was celebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Pierre Nguyen Van Tot.

With the young men representing different parts of the institute, the delegates for the superior general, receiving the vows were: Brothers Mervyn Perera (provincial of South Asia), Juan Castro (Marist District of Asia superior) and Óscar Martin (general councillor).

The celebration was enhanced by the music provided by the 12 first year novices, amongst whom were guitarists, a violinist and a flautist.  Br Rod Thomson conducted the singing and provided the music on the keyboard.

During this ceremony, several beautiful symbols of the local culture were used. At the beginning of the celebration several participants lit the traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp to signify unity. On top of this lamp is the figure of a rooster, a symbol to connect the theme of a new dawn, a new beginning.

At the end of the ceremony, several key people were invited to the sanctuary to be honoured for their significance in the lives of the young brothers. These included the parents of Br Jiji, the provincial and district leaders, the formators and other important guests. They were wrapped in beautiful pieces of decorative Indian embroidered fabric.

With the different nationalities present on the sanctuary and amongst the congregation, the music and the symbols used, one can truly describe this day as one that reflects a global charismatic family.