?How can I not respond with the gift of my life??
In one of the first major calendar events for the new Province of Australia, the Chapel of the Annunciation at St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown, was filled to overflowing on Saturday March 2, as members of the Australian Marist Community gathered to witness and joyfully celebrate the perpetual profession of Brother Justin Golding, FMS.
In the presence of his family, Brothers and friends, Brother Justin made his perpetual vows of chastity, poverty and obedience to Br Jeffrey Crowe, FMS, Provincial of Australia and delegate of the Superior General. The profession of vows took place during the celebration of the Eucharist, presided by Father Gary Perritt CP, and assisted by Father Brian Mascord (Diocese of Maitland) and Father Paul McDonald (Diocese of Lismore). Also on hand to witness the event was a large contingent of staff, students and ex-students from Trinity Catholic College Lismore, where Justin has been teaching for the past five years.
After professing his vows and receiving his Marist crucifix, Justin spoke to the congregation of the positive influence of a number of Brothers while a student at St Gregory’s College: “It was the beginning of an amazing journey that has led me to this very day. A journey where I have encountered numerous Brothers who have inspired me and encouraged me to consider their life as my own.”
Brother Jeffrey took the opportunity to recall the significance of the vocation of the Religious Brother in the life of the Church and within the Marist Community: “The word ‘Brother’ is precious to us and to our identity. It describes not only our relationships within our communities but to people generally, especially to the young people who are at the centre of our mission.”
Contrary to the popular-held belief of Religious Life being a counter cultural choice, Justin shared an alternative perspective through the lens of faith: “When you look at this through my eyes, it seems a very ordinary and normal thing to do … not counter cultural at all. God has spoken and touched my heart. How can I not respond with the gift of my life? As I stand before you today, I can't imagine living my life any other way.”
After thanking his family for their ongoing support, Justin took the opportunity to express his gratitude to those in the Australian Marist Community who were present: “This is such an exciting time in our history and I'm so excited to be a part of all that is to come. I'm deeply inspired by those of you who aren't Brothers, but have been grabbed by our charism and long to live it in the world. Thank you for the witness you bring to those we serve.”
At the end of the Eucharist, Brother Jeffrey affiliated Justin’s parents, Ken and Jenny Golding, to the Marist Brothers Province of Australia, as a sign of strengthening the Marist family ties.
We congratulate and thank Brother Justin for the generous gift of his life in saying “Yes” as a Marist Brother, and wish him every blessing as he continues to make Jesus Christ known and loved among young people, in the way of Mary and St Marcellin.