“Follow Me”
On April 22nd, the whole Redemptorist Vice-Province of Manila gathered as a community to thank the Lord for the gift of vocation of Bro. Sigfrid Olarte Rosin, CSsR, made his perpetual profession at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (Baclaran Church) in Paranaque City. Surrounded by his confreres, family, and friends, Bro. Sigfrid pledged his life to chastity, poverty, obedience, and the Congregation’s vow and oath of perseverance.
The profession of the final vows was presided over by the Vice-Provincial Superior of Manila, Rev. Fr. Raymond Urriza, CSsR, with him is the Student Liaison and Rector of the Laoag Community, Rev. Fr. Leo Mar Arenillo, CSsR. We were also blessed with the presence of the General Consultor in Rome, Fr. Ivel Mendanha, CSsR, who also facilitated the VP Retreat at Montserrat Spirituality Center in Silang, Cavite.
In his homily, Fr. Ivel spoke of the kind of life Bro. Sigfrid would profess. He also reminded Sigfrid to continue to be consumed with fire and to follow the example of Christ the Redeemer in proclaiming the Good News to the poor and the most abandoned. Fr. Raymond Urriza thanked the parents of Bro. Sigfrid for offering him to the congregation, and as a sign of gratitude to the family, an Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and the image of St. Alphonsus Ligouri were given to them.
Following the profession, a reception was held at the Romano Hall. Guests shared their experiences and well wishes with Bro. Sigfrid also expressed his gratitude to all those who have been part of his journey in the Redemptorist vocation.
As he begins his life as a perpetually professed, we ask the grace of God to strengthen his commitment by embracing the religious life with joy, love, and compassion.
Bro. John Mark Aves, C.Ss.R.
