On June 8th, 2024, four young Redemptorists, Camil Dung Dung, Charles Charvier, Prasantha Hembram (Province of Bangalore)and Ruban Nishith Lobo (Vice- province of Majella), said ‘YES’ to the Lord by committing themselves to Perpetual Profession of vows. This beautiful and meaningful event took place in the seminary chapel of Mount St. Alphonsus, Bangalore. Fr. EdwardJoseph, Provincial Superior of Bangalore, presided over the Mass and Fr. Henry (Vice- provincial of Majella) preached the homily, concelebrants with mostly Redemptorists, and there were more than 50 family members to witness to the brothers’ commitment to consecrated life.
Fr. Henry, in his homily, spoke that in life, we must understand that our true security isn’t buried in our backyards but is hidden in God. “One who possesses God wants nothing, God alone suffices” St. Theresa of Avila. On this day, you are saying yes by making a perpetual profession. “From this day, I am yours, Lord forever. you are my ultimate treasure. In God will be my security.”With the assurance of that treasure, you have decided, once and for all, to live a life of complete surrender. To commit oneself totally for life is indeed a daring step. In the gospel of Mark (10:35-45), James and John approach Jesus with a request for glory, seeking to sit at His right and left in His kingdom. Jesus explains that greatness in His kingdom is not about power but about service and sacrifice, and He exemplifies this through His own life, saying, “The Son of Man has not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” We do not get to choose who, how and when we serve. We leave behind our desires and wants and take on Christ, becoming His hands and feet on earth.
The four brothers were officially accepted by Frs. Edward and Henry. The family members of our brothers witnessed their sons’ commitment to the Lord and were delighted and blessed to part of this meaningful celebration. At the refectory, with a beautiful decoration backdrop done by the seminarians themselves, the four brothers were greeted and wished by Redemptorist confreres, religious and family members. The highlight was when Bro. Camil’s family sang a tribal song with the theme ‘congratulations’greeted and honored each of the brothers with handmade garlands and fresh roses. After that, everyone enjoyed the sumptuous lunch and desserts. It was indeed a memorable day for our brothers as they begin their journey into religious life, for they are reminded by the final document of our 26th General Chapter Article 18: “To be a Redemptorist is to be available, going out to the poor and doing what we can today, not waiting for tomorrow.”
Fr. Alvinrex CSsR, Prefect of Students,
Mt.St. Alphonsus Theologate, Bangalore
