Three Dominicans take vows
On Sunday, September 13th, Father Provincial, Vince Micallef, OP, received the religious professions of three Dominican brothers at the Prioral Church of Our Lady of the Grotto. Novice Fra Jan Gauci, OP, made his first simple profession, a three-year commitment, while student brothers Fra Jemond Falzon, OP, and Fra Matthias Buhagiar, OP, made their solemn profession, committing themselves to the Order for life.
Within the Dominican tradition, religious life holds a distinct and vital significance. Established by Saint Dominic to preach the truth (veritas) for the salvation of souls, the Order relies on a life rooted in regular community prayer, diligent study, and evangelical poverty to give authority to its voice. Professing the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience is not merely an individual pledge of personal holiness; it is the fundamental anchor that equips a Dominican friar to fulfill his mission. By renouncing personal possessions, family ties, and self-will, the friar becomes completely available to serve God and neighbor wherever the Gospel needs to be proclaimed.
By embracing these vows, these three brothers configure their lives directly to Jesus Christ, poor, chaste, and obedient. As Pope John Paul II reflected in Vita Consecrata, religious profession serves as 'a vivid sign of the kingdom to come' and offers a 'living memorial of Jesus' way of living and acting as the Incarnate Word in relation to the Father and in relation to his brethren.' Through these vows, the brothers embrace a direct conformity to Christ, poor, chaste, and obedient.
This sacred commitment echoes the Church's decree on religious life, Perfectae Caritatis, which reminds us that members of religious orders 'give up everything for the sake of Christ, following Him as the one thing necessary.'
Let us join in heartfelt prayer for Fra Jan, Fra Jemond, and Fra Matthias as they take this decisive step, and pray for abundant new vocations within the Order of Preachers.
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