Calabrian Religious Renew Their Religious Vows

Cagayan de Oro City – On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Religious Priests, Brothers, and Sister of the Congregation of the Poor Servants of Divine Providence (Calabrians) renew their evangelical vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Fr. Mark Jonnel H. Magos, PSDP, delegation councilor and superior of the religious community of the Calabrians in Brgy. Bayabas, presided over the eucharistic celebration held at the oratory of the community of Fr. Luigi Pedrollo Formation House, Brgy. Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City.

          In his homily, Fr. Magos explained the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception in terms of gifts – highlighting first the singular gift that the Blessed Virgin Mary received when she was preserved from all stains of the original sin, and secondly noting, that this gift that she received she also gifted in reciprocity to her Son Jesus, when she made her irrevocable commitment and obedience to the will of God announced to her by the Archangel Gabriel.

          In a similar vein, Fr. Magos added that the renewal of vows is to be seen in the light of gifts as well. Though unworthy and fraught with fragilities, the Calabrian religious are gifted with such grace to renew their vows but, always with concomitant responsibilities attached to it. Thus, the Constitutions and Directory of the Calabrians no. 36 states: “It is rather an occasion offered by Providence to express a commitment always more mature, profound and joyful in the following of Christ. The faithfulness to the Lord's call and perseverance to one's vocation are new gifts from God; always loyal to his alliance with us, and trust in Christ's promise to give his grace to the one who asks for it with humble and persistent prayer.”

The solemn celebration was participated by members of the Calabrian Family – collaborators, staff, former children of the Calabrian Children’s Foundation, and friends of the Calabrian Religious.