17 April
Saint Simeon, Bishop, and companions, Martyrs
26/02/2013: Colombia
On Saturday 9 February, at 4 pm, the celebration began of the Profession of perpetual vows by Br José Alberto Quintero Galvis, a Colombian of the Province of Norandina. The solemn ceremony was held in the beautiful Gothic chapel of the Champagnat Institute of Pasto – Nariño – Colombia, the school where Br José Alberto exercises his apostolate among the students of the senior classes. The Mass was celebrated by Fr Andrés Carmona and two other priests, a Salesian and a Jesuit. Among the 400 persons invited from Pasto and other places in Colombia and Ecuador were Br José Alberto’s family and relations, a good group of Marist Brothers representing most of the communities of Colombia, teachers, workers and senior students of the Champagnat Institute, religious men and women from many congregations in Pasto, and friends of the community.
Following a liturgy carefully prepared for this occasion, Br José Alberto entered in procession up to the altar, accompanied by the celebrants, Br Libardo Garzón, Provincial, and the closest members of his family.
Following the liturgy of the Word came the « Rite of Religious Profession ». The celebrant called Br José Alberto and « interrogated » him to express publically the reasons for his choice. Br José Alberto humbly asked the Lord for the strength to consecrate all his energies to God and to his Kingdom, living his profession in community… He replied « Yes, I do » to each of the questions, which were followed by a « Litany ». This part of the celebration was completed by the « profession of perpetual vows ». The celebrant then blessed the newly professed and presented him with the cross made by his two sisters in the name of their deceased parents. Finally each of the Brothers present gave him a fraternal hug symbolising welcome into the great Marist Family. All this was punctuated by hearty applause and hymns sung by the musical group « Amadeus » of the Champagnat Institute.
At the end of the celebration, Br José Alberto expressed his sentiments of gratitude to all the persons who played a role in his spiritual and material growth, his work and friendships.
All present then gathered in the « Galería del Coliseo » of the Champagnat Institute where Br Provincial addressed a message to Br José Alberto and to them all.
Finally the time for conviviality. The Brothers and the members of Br José Alberto’s family met at 7. 30 in the community dining room to share the meal in joy.
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