Vow Day - August 20, 2011
The Society of Jesus in Canada joyfully witnessed the First Profession of four young Jesuits in Montreal, at Le Gésu Church, on Saturday, August 20. Joined by their family, friends and many Jesuits, Eric Hanna, Adam Hincks, Daniel Leckman, and Ted Penton made their public commitment by vowing perpetual poverty, chastity and obedience according to the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus. (Go to the bottom of this page to view videos of each man reciting the vow formula.)
While the others professed their vows as Jesuit scholastics, that is, as men moving toward ordination to the priesthood, Daniel Leckman professed his vows as a Jesuit brother.
Fr. James Webb, SJ and Fr. Jean-Marc Biron, SJ, the provincial superiors of the English Canada and French Canada Provinces respectively, received the vows on behalf of the Society.
Fr. Erik Oland, SJ, the Master of Novices, who was responsible for the formation of these men during their novitiate, in his homily encourged them to become men of the Beatitudes, willing to put their lives at the service of others in the name of Jesus.
Having now completed the first phase of their Jesuit formation, the four men will move to Toronto to begin their First Studies, which will focus mostly on philosophy.
Text and photos by L. Altilia, SJ
The Vow Formula for First Vows in the Society of Jesus
Almighty and eternal God, I, (name), understand how unworthy I am in Your divine sight. Yet I am strengthened by Your infinite compassion and mercy, and I am moved by the desire to serve You.
I vow to Your divine majesty, before the most holy Virgin Mary and the entire heavenly court, perpetual poverty, chastity and obedience in the Society of Jesus. I promise that I will enter into this same Society to spend my life in it forever.
I understand these things according to the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus.
Therefore, by Your boundless goodness and mercy and through the blood of Jesus Christ, I humbly ask that you judge this total commitment of myself acceptable; and as you have freely given me the desire to make this offering, so also may You give me the abundant grace to fulfill it.