Report of the Preparation Program for Perpetual Profession 2024
Twelve Brothers from Asia participated in the perpetual profession preparation program 2024 that was held from June 23 to August 5 in Vung Tau City, in Vietnam.
The group knew one another from either their time in the Tudella Novitiate or during MAPAC. The only exception was Br Than, from the Province of L’Hermitage, who had his initial formation training in Europe.
Referring to the participants, the formators, – Brothers John Hazelman (Star of the Sea), Real Sauvageau (MDA), and Roy Deita (East Asia), – said on their report:
“Brothers of this group connected well with one another. It is their companionship and Brotherhood that define them as a group. The trust they have created in each other became the springboard that paved the way towards openness in group sharing and creating fraternal brotherhood. The major theme that came across during their synthesis presentation was Brotherhood and companionship. There was a focus on contemplative prayer and on our Marist Brothers identity and mission. All are anticipating their final vows preparation to continue. Some are having lengthy retreats starting in a week or two. All perceive themselves ready to be having their final commitment within the next two years. Are they ready? I could confidently say that YES, the majority of the participating Brothers are ready. What is evident is the desire of these Brothers to live simply and to trust in their support of each other and in God, as well as their conviction that the life of a Marist Brother is worth living.”
The team worked well together. Brothers Bao Nguyen (country leader of Vietnam) and Jos Long Tran (bursar of Vietnam) played significant roles in managing documents and the logistic details and the financial part.
At the end of the program the participating Brothers wanted to make a pledge to “Our Lady of Bai Dau” (a statue of Our Lady Maria in Vung Tau City) to continue deepening their commitment:
“You are our First Superior, as our founder Saint Marcellin said, and he believed that this Institute is your work. We are here in front of you Our Lady of Bai Dau to decide our lives and make a pledge to you, our Mother. We pledge to endure any hardships, challenges, and even unexpected troubles because, through Jesus Christ, who gives us strength, we can overcome anything. We pledge our loyalty to the Church and to our Institute of Marist Brothers so that we may be faithful servants of Christ, guided by the teaching and faith and faith we have received through God’s grace. Our Good Mother, our beloved Founder Marcellin, and our early Brothers, pray for us. Amen,”
Next, one of the 12 participants, Br. John Hung, shares his experience.
“Time flies, and the Perpetual Profession Preparation Program ends. I would like to share some of what I have learned and realized during this amazing journey.
Firstly, it is wonderful to meet these young brothers again after some years, savor the brotherhood’s sweetness, and enjoy each other’s company. I knew almost all the brothers, and the experiences through this program evoked many memories of studying together in Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Moreover, the brothers shared their life experiences in ministry and university studies. We attentively listened to and supported one another during the whole program process, and unity renewed among the brothers.
Secondly, the different modules throughout the program have emphasized the importance of contemplation, self-awareness, commitment, sexuality, the identity of the brothers in the Church, Marist Laity, etc. These modules also provided plenty of opportunities to share, discuss, deepen, and renew our understanding of ourselves and commit ourselves to constantly seeking God’s grace in daily life. In addition, what I enjoyed the most was the contemplation prayer. It was a beautiful experience when I sat down quietly in front of the Lord, thought nothing, asked for nothing, but listened to Him and to be with Him. As the facilitator Fr. Selvaratnam always reminded us, “It is in the silence that God will speak to your heart.” Without a doubt, I will practice contemplation more often when I return to my community.
Lastly, my heartfelt gratitude goes to the formation team, Br. John Hazelman, Br. RĂ©al Sauvageau, and Br. Roy Deita, thank you for your generosity, love, guidance, and support during this program. Moreover, the same gratitude also goes to two local brothers, Br. Bao and Br. Long for their tremendous support. I am grateful for this beautiful experience in Vietnam and the conviction of the calling of being a brother today, and I thank all of you who have been part of this journey.
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John Hung