Province of South Asia
Saturday the 26th of February 2011 four of our novices who had completed their novitiate formation made their first profession during a meaningful Eucharistic celebration held ceremoniously at the Marist Novitiate Chapel. A Large number of Brothers, Priests Sisters and other invitees were present on this joyful occasion.
Rev.Father Henry Silva the Director for Bible Apostolate, in the Arch Diocese of Colombo was the Chief Celebrant. Rev.Fathers Gregory Fernando, the parish priest of Ja-Ela and Krishntha o.m.i the chaplain of De Mazenod College, Kandana were the concelebrants. Brother Joeseph Peiris was the Master of Ceremony.
The novices were brought to the Novitiate Chapel in a procession to the beatings of ‘Magul Bera’. Just before the beginning of holy mass a ritual of Arati, an Indian form of ritual was performed where a sacred song was sung and the Chief celebrant and the congregation were welcomed and blessed with the circulating of a lamp.
After the reading of the Holy Scriptures and the homily, it was the time for the rite of Profession. Brother Chinappan the Novice Master called out the names of the Novices to be professed and invited them to be examined by Brother Shanthi Liyanage, the Provincial of South Asia.
Navinda Fernando, from Sri Lanka, Imran Yousaf from Pakistan, Jiji Dhasan and Riyas Aruldhasan from South India made their first Vows. Brother Provincial accepted the vows on behalf of Rev.Brother Superior General. The newly professed Brothers were given cords by Brother Provincial and the Novice Master.
Jude Pradeep of India and Zubair Yaqub of Pakistan were given the Religious habits to mark the commencement of their Second Year of Formation while Brothers Chamara Hettiarachchi of Sri Lanka and Albert Anthonysamy renewed their temporary vows for one more year.
After the Holy mass the newly professed Bothers were warmly greeted and congratulated by all those who were present. Thereafter everyone took part in a festive lunch and dispersed thanking and praising God for the gift of four young men to the Marist Congregation.
May the intercession of Blessed Mother and St. Marcellin Champagnat enable all of us to persevere in our vocation.