Renewal of Vows
QUEZON CITY, Philippines - On August 1, 2021, the scholastics made their renewal of vows at the Delegation House, New Manila, Quezon City, in the presence of Rev. Fr. Norwyn V. Baydo, SMM, the Delegation Superior and Rev. Fr. Santiago Casing, SMM, one of the councillors. In preparation for their renewal of vows, the scholastics had a five-day retreat on July 26-30, 2021. It was a time of reflection, accompaniment, and discernment as facilitated by Rev. Fr. Richard Magararu, SMM, their retreat master. The Daughters of Saint Francis de Sales in Silang Cavite witnessed this meaningful and fruitful preparation of the brothers. With the good accommodation of the sisters, they had a good rest and were able to enjoy the beauty of nature.
The celebration started at 8:30 AM with a Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Norwyn V. Baydo, SMM, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Santiago Casing, SMM and some Montfortian priests. It was also attended by the representatives from Sta. Teresita Parish, Old Montfort Center of Spirituality and Collegian Community, together with some friends and benefactors.
The calling of the candidates was done by their formator, Rev. Fr. Benjie Jun Notarte, SMM. The scholastics who made their renewal of vows were Bro. Lester C. Bonete, SMM, Bro. Samuel M. Gonzales, SMM, Bro. Harold Anthony T. Montoya, SMM, Bro. Lord Ansel Glenn N. Bongcas, SMM and Bro. Christopher S. Mejia, SMM.
In the homily of Fr. Norwyn, he emphasized that Jesus is the Bread of Life that sustains and provides one’s vocation. He challenged everyone as they renew their vows to participate in the very mission of Jesus that is to feed also those who are hungry and to satisfy whatever hunger the people whom they are about to minister. The Eucharistic celebration ended almost 10 o’clock in the morning. Afterwards, lunch was served, and everyone enjoyed the meal and the company of each other. It was truly a wonderful experience and celebration. Everyone went back home to their respective communities and families with smiles on their faces.
Likewise, the other two scholastics: Bro. Armel R. Collantes, SMM and Bro. Ronald Baruela, SMM made their renewal of vows at the Montfort Mission House in Minglanilla, Cebu and were received by Rev. Fr. Norwyn V. Baydo, SMM, and with the presence of Rev. Fr. Paul Arnel Lucero, SMM, the local superior of SMM Cebu Mission Community and one of the councillors of the delegation, as witness.
It was indeed a grace-filled moment for everyone, thanking the Lord through Mary for the gift of religious vocation to the Church and the congregation.
Bro. Samuel Gonsalez, SMM
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