First Vows

FIRST PROFESSION

“The First Profession marks the beginning of a period of consecrated life.” C113

The First Profession is just the beginning. What happens next is more important - fidelity to the vows. It is beautiful to hear the words of the theologian St.Thomas Aquinas which teach us that at the First Profession the candidate receives once more his baptismal innocence. But for how long he preserves that baptismal innocence afterwards would be far more beautiful.

The ecstasy of the First Profession is only for a moment. After a while it is no more. But the promises made in those fleeting moments must be lived constantly in the daily renewal of one’s commitment to be poor, chaste and obedient.

You have only begun your Salesian Life. You still need to nourish yourselves with what concerns following Christ and Don Bosco. You have to learn a lot of skills. This would entail sacrifice and even failures. Stand up every time you fall.

Do not forget the God who begun the good work in you. He will bring everything to completion and fruition if you just are willing to say “yes” every day. As you celebrate one anniversary after another, it will be more clear to you that God remains faithful even if you are not.