The first vows of the 22 Salesian novices took place on Wednesday September 8, 2021. The celebration took place at "Our Lady of Clairvaux", Ivato. The Eucharistic celebration began at 8:30 am, presided over by Father Bizimana Innocent, Provincial of the Salesian Vice-Province of Madagascar and Mauritius. The promotion of St. John has chosen as its motto: "It is to the glory of my Father that you bear much fruit and become my disciples" (Jn 15, 8).
Every year all Salesians in formation renew their vows, this is done on the eve of the first vows that the Novices will take on September 8. Note that these dates have become a tradition for the Salesian Congregation in Madagascar. Indeed, during the feast of the evening before, there were significant events, namely: the renewal of the vows pronounced by 15 confreres, six of whom are for two years and the others for one year. But it is also there that the 18 new novices were received who will replace the 22 newly professed, marked by their reception of the Holy Bible, their main tool for the year of novitiate. The novices going to profess their vows also received on this same occasion the blessing of their respective parents.
On the morning of September 8, at 8:30 a.m., the Eucharist began, presided over by the Father Provincial. He stressed during his homily that being a Christian requires duties and responsibilities, not only within the Church, but also throughout the world. And as disciples of Christ, it is our duty to preach the Good News so that the seed bears much fruit and we become true, faithful disciples. Addressing the novices, the Provincial declared that the religious vow is not an end but a life, an ever deeper communion with Christ.
At the end of the celebration, joy lit up everyone's face. Joy expressed and felt through the various speeches of thanks. In short, it should be known that the newly professed must go to Fianarantsoa (center of philosophical formation) to begin the next stage of their formation, for three years. Strengthened by our prayers, that they may remain faithful to their Salesian vocation.
