Here I am, Lord !
In the city of San Salvador, December 8, feast of the Immaculate Conception, two young men, one from San Salvador, the other from Guatemala, became Little Brothers of Mary in giving their ?Yes? to God?s call. Dressed afresh in festive attire as the Advent was unfolding, the Central America Province joyously welcomed the two new Little Brothers as a blessing bestowed by Mary.
The profession took place at the San Alfonso School in San Salvador, where relatives and friends of the newly professed, along with a large number of Brothers gathered for the occasion to offer their support to Carlos Antonio and Rafael.
Without fanfare, the two young Brothers shared their profession with all who were gathered:
For us, making religious profession is a very important experience, because it reminds us of God?s great love for us and the wonders which God accomplishes in each person.
His love is so great that it is reflected in the faithful gift that He offers to the human family. The significance of our profession lies in its being the gift of self and the availability which we desire to offer in responding to the plan which God is tracing out for us. We would live the gift and the availability in faithfulness to His call and with confidence in our relatives, Brothers and friends. We are most pleased to be men consecrated to God for the service of our brothers and sisters, especially the ones in greatest need.
We are aware of our weaknesses, but over the years of preparation we have come to realize that we are not present here today on account of something we ourselves have earned. Rather we are here because God has invited us, and we will do our part as best we can to make our response to the invitation real and active. The first step has been taken! Now we must act in a way that accords with our role, a role that we wish to live out, trusting in the One who has said to us, COME, FOLLOW ME.
At peace with the « Yes » we have pronounced, we place ourselves in the Lord?s hands. We offer our lives to him, our readiness to follow. We ask of Mary, who is light for those who are searching for Jesus, to shed light upon our path, for it is Mary who gives a clear picture of how our consecration should be lived out.
____________
Br. Carlos Antonio Alvarado Lópe
Br. Rafael Eduardo Sandoval