I made my final vows as a Jesuit, May 3 in St Louis
Many graces
I professed vows to my Jesuit provincial as he held the Eucharist
There I kneel before God, Mother Mary, the Saints, and the Church—asking for grace and help, both human and divine.
I was especially struck by St Ignatius’ insistence that we [I] not forget the ‘instruction of children.’ I have 2 nieces and a nephew in middle school. I have celebrated special Masses for family and at their school. Jesuits lead many universities; others are in administration in parishes or other institutions. Amidst the meetings and planning— we should never forget ‘the little ones,’ so dear to the Heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
Vow formula—
“I, Joseph William John Therese Laramie, make my profession, and I promise to Almighty God, in the presence of his Virgin Mother, the whole heavenly court, and all those here present, and to you, Reverend Father Tom Greene SJ, representing the Superior General of the Society of Jesus and his successors and holding the place of God, perpetual poverty, chastity and obedience;
and, in conformity with it, special care for the instruction of children,
according to the manner of living contained
in the apostolic letters of the Society of Jesus and its Constitutions.”
