The future for Marist life
Brother Albert Rivera of the Province of the United States professed his perpetual vows on Saturday, November 4 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Pelham Manor, New York. Gathered with Al on this special day were many of Albert?s Marist Brothers, family members, friends, and former students.
Albert is a graduate of Mt. St. Michael Academy, a Marist Brothers school in the Bronx, New York. After graduating from university, Albert entered the Marist Brothers candidacy program. After some time in the candidacy program, Albert left thinking that he was going to live his life as a committed Catholic layman. The Spirit drew Albert back to the Marist Brothers a few years later, and this joyful profession day was the culmination of Albert?s formative journey with the Marist Brothers.
Albert?s vows were received by Brother John Klein, Provincial of the Province of the United States in the name of Brother Sean Sammon. A touching moment occurred after Albert professed his vows when Albert asked the lay Marist Educators present and the young people of our Marist Young Adult Ministry program to renew their commitments to the vision and values of Marcellin Champagnat.
Brother Donald Bisson, Albert?s novice director, gave the homily at the profession mass. Speaking of Albert? journey to this day, Don said, ?As his novice director, I witnessed his striving to hold the ideals with our reality. He loves community. He enjoys people, celebrations, food, cooking and hospitality. He has evolved into a Marist brother both externally and in his inner life.
His ministry within the Evangelization Team, Marist Youth, Encounters, vocation ministry and sharing our call continually deepened his identity during the years of temporary vows, leading to this moment. He believes and struggles to live his beliefs. His professional development and graduate studies at ford ham have led him to be a Hispanic leader in church ministry to youth.
This profession reminds us of the necessity for vowed membership to sustain Marist charism. Our charism is thriving among our lay colleagues, our youth leaders, students and coworkers throughout the country and our world. It is shared by so many. Yet, we need to remember that vowed memberships remain a critical element, which supports and renews the charism shared by so many. We celebrate this day as a testimony to that fact that brothers, lay people, and youth together form the future for Marist life.?