Nine Novices made their First Profession

Nine brothers professed their first vows on October 7th at the International Novitiate in Tudella, Sri Lanka. Brother Canisio J. Willrich, leader of the Marist District of Asia, received the vows in the name of Br. Ernesto Sánchez, Superior General. For this important moment in their life, the new Brothers have been inspired by the words of Mary, at the Annunciation: “Let it done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). 
The new Brothers are: Clementino Xavier, Dionisio Madeira Martins, Filonemo Mendonca, Julio Brites, Juvencio Nia Hanjam and Salvador Baptista Ferreira (Timor Leste); Nguyễn Văn Lý  and Trần Văn Thành  (Vietnam); and Topu Mondol fms (Bangladesh).

The celebration was presided by Fr Prasanna Rodrigo, O.M.I. accompanied by Fr Joseph Chaminda T.O.R. Also present were Br Peter Carrol, Provincial of the Australia, Br Nicholas Fernando, Provincial of the South Asia, Br Lindley Sionosa, Secretariat Brothers Today, Br Greg McDonald, formator in East Timor and other Brothers, Lay Marists and friends.

Speaking to the participants in the celebration, Br Francisco “Paco” Garcia, master of the Marist International Novitiate in Tudella, underlined the perseverance of each one as they faced many challenges in these last two years, completing a novitiate in the context of the pandemic. Growing in the capacity to look beyond, he invited them to keep alive in their life the passion that can touch the hearts of others.

At the end, on behalf of the group of new Brothers, Br Topu Mondol expressed a cordial thanks to everyone who accompanied them and helped them in their journey, starting from their “first formators”, their parents. Br Nguyen Van Ly did the same in Vietnamese and Br Dionisio Madeira Martins in Tetun.

The brother’s community want to thank all those, around the world, who joined to the celebration through livestream transmission on Facebook and sent messages and assured them with their unity and prayer.