What a wonderful day for our Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary! We’re overjoyed to celebrate the perpetual vows of our two brothers, Fransiskus Feri and Wilfredirikus Amnunuh, as they commit themselves to a lifelong journey as religious missionaries serving the Lord. Let’s take a moment to applaud their incredible courage, steadfast faith, and generous spirit for making such a significant decision.
We can all feel immense pride in witnessing the beautiful work that God continues to do through them within His church. Both Fransiskus and Wilfredirikus came here from their native Indonesia, and they have graciously set aside so much to join the CICM missionaries, dedicating their lives to the noble cause of serving the Church. After three years of preparation, they are ready to take this decisive step as they make their perpetual profession today! As part of their exciting journey, they will be ordained as deacons tomorrow, moving closer to their priestly ordination. What a joyous occasion for all of us!
Reflecting on the essence of religious vows and evangelical counsels is lovely. These vows are first made to God, who loves us deeply. With immense gratitude, a spiritual man or woman embraces these vows. Chastity represents a beautiful self-giving to God alone, which involves letting go of worldly pleasures and the sacrament of marriage to devote oneself to serving God and the community. Like Christ, living chastity opens your heart, enabling you to serve God’s people freely and wholeheartedly. With this vow of chastity, remember to be there for God’s people and give them your time and total attention. Listen when they seek support, visit the sick and elderly, pray with them, uplift our youth, and offer comfort to families in your parish.
Today, you embrace a vow of poverty, modeling your life after Christ. Though he never personally owned anything, as the Son of God, he was the valid owner of all that exists. By detaching yourself from material goods, you will depend on God’s providence, who promised that he would provide everything for you just as he provides for the birds and the lilies of the fields. As vowed members, you must believe God will care for you (Matthew 6:26-30). Hence, you should be more concerned about proclaiming the kingdom of God than about worldly things.
Finally, you vow obedience today, like Christ, who obeyed his Father until death. As Jesus hung on the wood of the cross, “Father, not my will but your will must be done.” he cried in the garden before his passion. Your obedience is to God and the Provincial Superior representing your congregation and the Church. You cannot serve two masters, says Jesus; you must be faithful to one and unfaithful to the other. Being loyal to the congregation is paramount to being faithful to Christ. The observance of these vows depends on God’s grace. Be men of prayer, be caring and loving to the people you are sent and be faithful to your vows.
Today’s gospel (John 15:9-17) invites you to abide in Christ’s love and to love God’s people as he loved you. The gospel asked that as a disciple of Christ, you make sacrifices, even by laying down your life for the sake of others, as he did. Your lives will only be meaningful if they are lived at the service of our brothers and sisters.
Homily given by Fr. André Kazadi, CICM, Provincial Superior
Perpetual Vows of Fransiskus Feri and Wilfredirikus Amnunuh
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