Vow Day
First Vow Day in Joint Novitiate
For the first time in its brief history, the joint novitiate in Montreal, serving both Canadian provinces, celebrated the First Vows of its novices. On Sunday, August 22, 2010, five men completed their novitiate formation with the pronouncing of their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, making a solemn promise to live their life in the Society of Jesus. The five are: Yvon Bellavance, S.J., Edmund Lo, S.J., John O'Brien, S.J., Santiago Rodriguez, S.J., and Artur Suski, S.J.
The fully bilingual celebration took place at the Church of Le Gésu in Montreal during the regular Sunday liturgy. Fr. Jean-Marc Biron, S.J., Provincial of French Canada and Haiti, was the principal celebrant, accompanied by Fr. James Webb, S.J., Provincial of English Canada, Fr. Erik Oland, S.J., Novice Master, Fr. Bernard Carrière, S.J., Superior of the Novitiate community, and several concelebrants from the two provinces and beyond. Also in attendance were family and friends of the men taking vows, some of whom travelled from as far away as Hong Kong, as well as many Jesuits and supporters of the Society.
For all five it is now on to the second phase of formation, which is formally called First Studies. Yvon will do that at l'Université de Montréal, while the others have moved to Cardoner House in Toronto for studies at U of T and, in Santiago's case, York Univ.
The Vow Formula for First Vows in the Society of Jesus
Almighty and eternal God, I, (Name), though altogether most unworthy in your divine sight, yet relying on your infinite goodness and mercy and moved with a desire of serving you, in the presence of the most Holy Virgin Mary and your whole heavenly court, vow to Your Divine Majesty perpetual poverty, chastity and obedience in the Society of Jesus; and I promise that I shall enter the same Society in order to lead my entire life in it, understanding all things according to its Constitutions.
Therefore I suppliantly beg Your Immense Goodness and Clemency, through the blood of Jesus Christ, to deign to receive this holocaust in an odor of sweetness; and that just as you gave me the grace to desire and offer this, so you will also bestow on me abundant grace to fulfill it.
