First Vows

Updated on Friday, August 6, 2021

On 21st June 2021, Xavier Training College, Desur, was bubbling with joy as eight second-year novices pronounced their First Vows in the Society of Jesus. The Novitiate is an experience for the Novices to build their relationship with God through the various activities like the daily prayers, Eucharist, following the time table, undergoing a 30 days ‘silent’ long Retreat, hospital experiments, mission experiments, weekly ministries, etc. After successfully completing 2 years of Novitiate under the guidance of Fr. Anil Pereira, these Novices received their First Vows. This auspicious occasion was graced by Fr. Agnelo Mascarenhas (Provincial of Pune), who was the main celebrant; he also received their vows. Fr. Arun De Souza (Provincial of Bombay) concelebrated and, through his homily, inspired and explained how to live out the three Vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience with God’s help despite our human frailties and uncertain circumstances. Fr. Roland Coelho (Provincial of Goa) presented the Crucifix, the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus, and the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius, to the second-year brothers.