(More pictures and captions to come)
Br. Liam’s Solemn Profession of Vows.
By Br. Giovannie B. Nunez, CRM and Ryan Dela Pena
The very words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew to “Follow me,” serve as an invitation for all people to live the Christian way of life. This invitation is accepted by virtue of our baptism and is vividly expressed in the consecration of religious men and women through the profession of the evangelical counsels, chastity, poverty and obedience. These three vows are summed up in the Apostolic Exhortation Redemptionis Donum, by the late Pope John Paul II, as the “economy of salvation” and a “participation in the Self-emptying of Christ.” The Holy Father in Vita Consecrata also adds that “the consecrated life …is a gift from God the Father to his Church through the Holy Spirit. By the profession of the evangelical counsels the characteristic features of Jesus- the chaste, poor and obedient one- are made constantly “visible” in the midst of the world and the eyes of the faithful are directed toward the mystery of the Kingdom of God already at work in history, even as it awaits its full realization in heaven.” (No. 1)In addition to the three evangelical counsels, the Clerics Regular Minor have a special vow of not seeking ecclesiastical dignities as directed in Art. 5. of the 1985 Constitution. This is so that a religious, in following Jesus, may always remember that in his life and apostolate, he may keep in mind the very words of Jesus: “I am in your midst as the one who serves you” (Lk 22:27). (art. 5. No. 43) In the same sketch, religious life within the Order of the Clerics Regular Minor, in accordance with the teachings of the Church, is a deep configuration to Christ and to His Church and thus, a very sure way to holiness.
It was these four above mentioned vows that Br. Liam Reza M Panganibam, CRM, solemnly professed on December the 2nd 2006. The ceremony of religious profession took place at our Order’s parish of St. Joseph, in Lodi, and was held within the context of the Eucharistic Liturgy. The Mass was presided over by our Superior General, Fr. Raphael Mandolesi and, his delegate, Fr. Hector DiNardo, along with the many other priests in attendance. Within the moving ceremony of profession, Br. Liam professed before God and the Church, the three evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience along with the fourth vow of humility. Following the celebration at the altar, the faithful moved on to celebrate at table. The more than 150 guests overfilled the rectory hall, where a delicious meal was provided by kind hearted volunteers. The reception enabled all to congratulate the newly professed as well as to spend time in fellowship with one another.
Br. Liam was born in Ahwaz, Iran and is the second child of Dr. William Panganiban and Mrs. Elena Moscoso. He has a sister and a brother. He joined our congregation six years ago and professed his simple vows in June of 2003. Br. Liam finished his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at Christ the King Mission Seminary in Manila, Philippines. He completed his theological studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University this past spring. After a period of regency at our parish of St. Joseph in Lodi, New Jersey, at Immaculate Conception in Goose Creek, South Carolina and at our seminary in the Philippines he has committed himself to live the fullness of his consecration to the Lord in the service of the Church according to the charism of the Adorno Fathers.
For you, Br. Liam, the newest solemnly professed member of our religious family, we pray that God bless you with His choicest blessings as you have reached the climax of your religious vocation as a Cleric Regular Minor. May all that you do be A.M.R.G.
For the Greater Glory of the Risen Christ!
