In an emotional and solemn ceremony marked by devotion and fraternity, the Province of Our Lady of Candelaria of the Order of Augustinian Recollects celebrated the solemn profession of three of its young theologians this September 5. The church of Our Lady of Consolation Parish, in the Colombian capital, was the setting where Fray Simón Andrés Mesa Corzo, Fray Andrés Felipe Toro Hernández, and Fray Luis Alejandro Martínez Caribana definitively consecrated their lives to God through the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
The solemn Eucharist was presided over by the acting prior provincial, Fray José David Niño Gómez. Alongside him, the celebration was concelebrated by Monsignor José Alejandro Castaño, Bishop Emeritus of Cartago; the prior provincial-elect, Fray Héctor Manuel Calderón; and the acting provincial secretary and vicar, Fray Juan Pablo Martínez, accompanied by numerous religious from the resident communities in Bogotá D.C. and delegations from various countries.
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”: The central message of the homily
One of the most profound moments of the day was the homily delivered by Fray José David Niño Gómez, who masterfully wove the Liturgy of the Word with the perpetual commitment the three friars were about to undertake.
Drawing on the first reading regarding the calling of the young Samuel, the prior provincial exhorted the newly professed to always maintain an attentive ear and a willing heart, reminding them that a vocation requires responding with the same promptness as Samuel: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”. This attitude of docility, he noted, is indispensable for sustaining oneself in religious life amidst the challenges of today’s world.
Fray José David further delved into the Gospel passage of the calling of the fishermen apostles. In his direct message to Fray Simón, Fray Andrés, and Fray Luis Alejandro, he emphasized the value of radical renunciation. Just as the first disciples left their nets and boats on the shore to follow Jesus, the prior reminded them that solemn profession involves letting go of one’s own securities to fully embrace the Augustinian Recollect charism and trust entirely in Providence. The homily concluded with an invitation to unceasingly seek the face of God, in harmony with the responsorial psalm of the liturgy, so that their lives may be a living testimony of the Gospel.
A Church in communion
The church was filled with a spirit of family and ecclesial communion. The ceremony included the valuable participation of OAR contemplative nuns, as well as MAR and ARE sisters. Likewise, family members, parishioners, and other religious from various communities close to the Augustinian family were present, supporting the newly professed with their prayers and songs.
The invitations to the event echoed the maxim of Saint Augustine: “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You,” a palpable reminder of the charism that will guide the steps of these three young men.
Upcoming professions in Guatemala
This celebration in Colombian territory constitutes the first phase of the solemn professions of the Province’s theologians this year, which close the provincial term of Fray José David Niño Gómez. The Order of Augustinian Recollects is already preparing for a second moment of grace: on September 12, the second group of theologians (from Guatemala) will make their solemn vows. This solemn Eucharist will take place at the Co-Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, located in Totonicapán, Guatemala.
The entire Order offers a prayer of thanksgiving for the fidelity of its religious, entrusting the ministry of Fray Simón, Fray Andrés, and Fray Luis Alejandro to the maternal protection of Our Lady of Consolation.
