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SAYING A DEFINITE YES TO THE LORD

(Profession in Bangalore)

Br. Pradeep Anthony L OFM

It was indeed a joyous occasion to see brothers making their final profession. This final profession was something very special as some of the brothers had to postpone their final profession for two years due to various reasons and circumstances. One of the main reasons was the Corona and as the result, they were not able to have a conducive environment to prepare themselves for the one-month preparatory course for their solemn vows. However, their hope and perseverance were finally rewarded: eight of them were able to attend to a one-month preparatory course at Idukki, Kerala.

The solemn profession of Friars Kasu Eliyas Reddy, Adarsh Y, Alphonse Velankanni and Ganji Sujith Reddy were held on 2nd May at St Anthony’s Friary Church, Bengaluru.

My mother and I were fortunate to attend the solemn profession of these four brothers at Bengaluru, St Anthony’s Friary. The Eucharistic Celebration started at 6 pm. Fr Praveen D’Souza, the provincial minister, was the main celebrant, and along with him around 40 friars consecrated the Holy Eucharist on that day. The family members of the newly professed were present for the celebration. Fr. Praveen delivered a beautiful homily about the Franciscan way of life. He said that the Franciscan way of life is a wonderful life that offers solutions for the existing destructive ideologies in the society. Ideologies that hinder the growth of the society, are individualism, consumerism, materialism to counteract living the Gospel life of Jesus in love and service and in community are the radical and prophetic means and solution. He wished all the friars perseverance in their love and service to the Lord. After the homily, Friars Kasu Eliyas Reddy, Adarsh Y, Alphonse Velankanni and Ganji Sujith Reddy made their profession in the hands of Fr Praveen D’Souza. It was really a blessed occasion to see almost all the guardians coming and wishing the solemn professed Brothers. The family members of the friars, parishioners, and religious sisters from the neighbourhood were present for that special occasion.

Soon after the Eucharistic celebration there was a felicitation, followed by a sumptuous fellowship mealin honour of the newly professed friars. Thanks to the brothers who in making their perpetual vows said a ‘definite yes’ to the call of God as Mary did. May their life show forth their commitment in becoming a dear spouse of the Lord Jesus Christ. Wishing them a Joyous Gospel life in Christ.

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