Vincentian Priests and Brothers

…in the presence of all his people” (Psalm 116:14). According to tradition  in the  CM Province of Poland, in the solemnity of Immaculate Conception of Virgin Mary our seminarians in various stages of their formation  celebrate either Vocation Day (Internal Seminary) or Good Promise (Bonum Propositum, I Philosophy) or Sacred Vows (III Theology).

In 2009 these events took place during the solemn Eucharist concelebrated at 10 a.m. in the seminary chapel at Stradom House in Krakow. Rev. Pawel Holc CM, Provincial Assistant presided at the liturgy. Other celebrants were: Rev. Jozef Lucyszyn CM, Rector of Vincentian Institute of Theology and Superior of the House, Rev. Zygmunt Berdychowski CM, Scholasticate Director, Rev.Jerzy Grzyb CM, Internal Seminary Director, Rev.Andrzej Klima CM, Spiritual Director and Rev.Waclaw Uminski CM, Library Director.  There were other confreres of the house, whom duties allowed to do so, attending this important event in the Porovince.

At the begining of his homily, Fr. Holc quoted the letter of St. Vincent de Paul in which he emphasized the value and respect for the Little Company. Then he pointed how important the Company was for Vincent and focused on the vow of perseverance in the Congregation which St. Vincent considered to be the most important of all vows.  He also alluded that 20 years ago, he himself and some other attendants of today’s ceremony, including Scholasticate Director were also taking Sacred Vows on this day. He concluded the homily  with another quote, this time from Act of Dedication to Immaculate Virgin which is recited in communities of the Congregation every December 8.

After a moment of meditation the ceremony begun. First, ten seminarians from Internal Seminary lined up in front of the altar and read their declaration of good will to deepen their knowledge, spirituality and faith living in the community of Congregation of the Mission.  Next they handed these signed declarations to Provincial Assistant. With this act they joined the Congregation. Those celbrating the Vocation Day were:

◊ Daniel FRĄC ◊ Michał FUDALA ◊ Tomasz GAWLIK ◊ Daniel GROSICKI ◊ Jakub KASPRZYK ◊ Mateusz KOZAKIEWICZ ◊ Aleksander ŁANOWY ◊ Piotr MAĆKOWIAK ◊ Andrzej SKARBEK ◊ Piotr ZACKIEWICZ

Next, two seminarians who were about to be admitted to the Congregation stepped forward. Standing at the altar, deeply touched and moved, their recited the text of Bonum Propositum (Good Promise) to perserve in the community continuing  o deepen their spirituality and knowledge practicing community life which will help them better prepare to live in the community of the Company undertaking ministries and goals of the Congregation. The new admitted were:

◊ Marek KALISZ ◊ Jacek MIĘDLAR

Finally, kneeling at the altar four seminarians of III Theology (sixth year of formation) proclaimed their Sacred Vows of Chastity, Poverty, Obedience and Perseverance in the Congregation. Taking the vows incorporates them to the Congregation of the Mission for good.  After the vows, Provincial Assitant handed Missionary Crucufixes to each new incorparated confrere, the symbol of mission they are to be send to. New incorporated to the Congregation were:

◊ Daniel ŁUCZAK CM ◊ Maciej MROCZEK CM ◊ Krystian POŁOMSKI CM ◊ Krzysztof ŚLIWA CM

Afterwards the liturgy of Eucharist followed. After the Mass othjer seminarians greeted those celebrating today. And as it is in the tradition of the Province, new incorporated confreres were invited for short refreshment with senior confreres of the House.

We wish all new recieved, admitted and incorparated seminarians all the best and wish them the perseverance to stay in the community and serve it with all they strength and abilities.

Tags: C.M., liturgy, Seminary, Stradom