5098_Verso Cristo!

First Religious Profession FIN

May 24, 2019

By Cl. Jonas Paulo Lacson, SDB

Canlubang, Laguna, The Philippines, 23 May 2019 -- After 14 years, the Diocesan Shrine of Mary Help of Christians was graced again by a solemn celebration of the Holy Mass for First Religious Profession and Solemn Investiture. The FIN Province was gifted with three newly professed Salesians: Cleric Paulo Miguel Calderon, SDB, Brother Justin Andrew Mercado, SDB, and Brother Russell Alec Samonte, SDB.

The celebration started at 3:00 PM. Fr. Felino Gueco, Jr., SDB, the Provincial Superior, presided the Holy Mass together with some fifty concelebrating priest. He likewise accepted the Profession in behalf of the Rector Major. The immediate family members of the three newly professed were all present to witness this solemn day and to assist their sons during the Investiture ceremony. Members of the Salesian Family were present too for the celebration together with some benefactors and friends of the newly professed. Quite remarkable was the presence of many Salesian Brothers inasmuch as the two newly professed are Salesian Brothers. The Post-novitiate community and the prenovitiate community spearheaded the preparations and the animation of this gracious event.

To end the celebration, Cleric Paulo Miguel Calderon, SDB, gave a gratitude speech in behalf of his batch mates. The reception followed at the Grade School Grounds of Don Bosco College, which was taken care of the prenovitiate community.

What a wonderful way to celebrate the eve of the feast of Mary Help of Christians with three new young Salesians added to the FIN Province. Indeed, God is gracious.