On Saturday, 7th September 2024, the Redemptorists of the Dublin Province gathered in Clonard Monastery, Belfast, to celebrate the First Profession of Br. Kevin Heffron C.Ss.R. Fr. Brendan O’Rourke C.Ss.R; Provincial Superior welcomed Br. Kevin’s family at the beginning of the ceremony and thanked them for their witness to their faith and family life.
It has been eight years since the last First Profession for the Dublin Province, and the Redemptorists from across Ireland gathered with great joy to celebrate this occasion.
Br. Kevin received his habit during the ceremony, presented by his parents and blessed by Fr. Brendan, before prostrating himself on the ground as the choir and congregation sang Veni Creator Spiritus—the calling of the Holy Spirit.
Br. Kevin joins the congregation at a turbulent time in the Church and the World, but his “yes” is a testimony that God is still at work in the hearts of the young. Br. Kevin joined the Redemptorists during the pandemic, and to enter, he had to produce a negative Covid test. He entered alone, and Fr. Brendan, in his homily, reminded the congregation that it took courage; we are genuinely grateful to Br Kevin for this courage and witness.
Br. Kevin was sent to Lipa in the Philippines for his novitiate year with 12 other Novices from 8 different Nationalities. With its challenges and fears of the unknown, a new country, and a different culture, Br. Kevin dove in with an openness and a sense of determination, a reminder that Br. Kevin does not only belong to the Dublin Province but to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer as a whole, as a Missionary.
Br. Kevin will continue his Theology at St. Patrick’s Pontifical Seminary, Maynooth. He will live in Ballyfermot with his Formation Director, Fr. Con Casey C.Ss.R. and Fr. Adrian Egan C.Ss.R., Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Assumption, Ballyfermot.
We wish Br. Kevin every blessing as he begins this new chapter in his life, and we continue to pray for him and more vocations to our Redemptorist family of the Most Holy Redeemer.
Fr. Ryan M. Holovlasky, C.Ss.R.
