Fr. Timothy Lannon, SJ
One of the best parts of my role as the Midwest Jesuits’ provincial assistant for formation is that I have an opportunity to walk with Jesuits in a number of stages throughout their journeys. Whether I am meeting a brother teaching high school theology during regency, a deacon preparing for ordination to the priesthood, or a young man immersed in philosophy classes during first studies, I am continually inspired by the many ways these extraordinary Jesuits illustrate a strong future for the Society’s work in the world.
One of the most significant moments in a Jesuit’s formation is first vows. After two years in the novitiate, a time marked by the Spiritual Exercises, a pilgrimage, community service, and many other experiments and experiences, Jesuit novices pronounce vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to the Society of Jesus. It is an extraordinary moment in the life of a Jesuit, and it represents the ever-increasing realization that, as Saint Ignatius said, “all that [we] have and possess” are gifts from God.
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| The seven Midwest Jesuits who pronounced first vows (from left): Lawrence Ryen Dwyer, Matthew Ippel, Patrick Hyland, Minh-Hoang Le, Sean Barry, Emanuel Werner, and Bryan Paulsen |
It was truly a blessing to attend this year’s first vows Mass at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church in St. Paul, Minn. More than that, I am deeply grateful to call the seven men who took this important step my Jesuit brothers.
The Midwest Jesuits’ first vows Mass was celebrated Saturday, August 8, 2015. Father Brian Paulson, SJ, provincial of the Chicago-Detroit Province, presided at the Mass, and Fr. Thomas Lawler, SJ, provincial of the Wisconsin Province, served as homilist.
For more information on first vows or a vocation with the Society of Jesus, visit www.jesuitsmidwest.org or http://vocations.jesuits.org. Also visit www.midwestjesuits.smugmug.com to see more photos from this year’s first vows Mass.
Fr. Timothy Lannon, SJ, is the provincial assistant for formation for the Midwest Jesuits.
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