Reflections on Religious Professions, Pt. 1

On Sunday, August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, Novs. Paul Hotovy and Francis Nguyen will make their first professions. Additionally, Brs. John Castonguay, Dan Glass, and Kevin White will renew their religious vows. Most of them have shared their thoughts with us as they prepare to profess their vocations, some for the first time, and others for another.

“For me, profession is God's opportunity to serve His Church and His people, especially the young. I am grateful that God has called me to this life and given me the grace to discern His will during the past three years. I hope that my life as a Salesian is filled with service of others and living the vows that I will profess with integrity.”

- Nov. Paul Hotovy

“To me, profession means belonging more to Jesus and Mary each day. It's about giving Him full reign of my life so that He may do whatever He wills, and my being open to all of it. It is a commitment to God and a sacrifice of my own desires of comfort for Jesus' sake. It is also a commitment to renew myself in Christ every day in all aspects of my formation to be who God wants me to be for both the young and my community.

Since profession is a deepening of my Baptism and call to be a son of God, I find it is another opportunity to unite myself to Christ in His own Baptism and to be called the beloved son of God. Everything in Christ's life was preparing Him for His death and resurrection, and His Baptism was one of those events. I see profession as the same—it is a new beginning of being able to die to myself joyfully for the sake of God's Kingdom.”

- Nov. Francis Nguyen

“This summer, I worked in our oratory and reflected on my profession. As I look forward to and continue praying about my renewal, I can't help but be grateful and blessed to profess my vows and renew my dedication to God. I am reminded first of my vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience that help me free myself completely for the love of God and service of the young. It is my joy and privilege to be called by God to be a Salesian brother in the community, dedicated to serving the young and accompanying them on their journey of faith. My profession gives me the freedom and availability to give fully of my strength, energy, and life to help and work for the salvation of the young.”

- Br. Dan Glass, SDB

"To me, Salesian profession means a free and total commitment of my life to God, lived out through three unique aspects: devoting all my strength to those to whom God sends me (especially to young people who are poorer), living Salesian life in communion of spirit and action with my brother Salesians, and sharing in the life and mission of the Church. Salesian profession means imitating Jesus more deeply so that I may be an instrument of God through which young people can hopefully encounter Christ. Our Salesian formula of profession is one that allows us to fully live out our God-given vocation, and for union with God and holiness.”

- Br. Kevin White, SDB