On September 25, it was a memorable day for the Vicariate of Tamil Nadu as they inaugurated the new community residence at Holy Cross School, Samarasampettai, and celebrated the Final Vows of five of their seminarians.

Holy Cross Home, which will house those community members who minister at the school, was inaugurated by Fr. KJ Abraham, C.S.C., Second General Assistant of the Congregation, and blessed by the Most. Rev. Arockia Savarimuthu D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Trichy. The residence was built with the support of the congregational Solidarity Fund.

The Rite of Perpetual Profession, with the theme, Thy Will Be Done, took place after the blessing in the school auditorium with the Bishop presiding and preaching at the Mass. Fr. KJ Abraham received the vows of the seminarians while Fr. Panneer Selvam, C.S.C., Superior of the Vicariate of Tamil Nadu, presented the newly professed with their profession cross.

Respecting the COVID protocols in place, the event was limited to only 150 friends and family members. The newly finally professed are: Mr. A. Vinoth Amalraj, C.S.C., Mr. Pravin S., C.S.C., Mr. Joseph Inbaraj, A., C.S.C., Mr. Anthony Jayaraj, C.S.C., and Mr. Aldo Vibi Brandon, C.S.C.

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After the ceremony, there was a felicitation ceremony for the Bishop and the newly professed with Fr. Jnana Prakasam, C.S.C., serving as emcee. Fr. Selvam, C.S.C., also took the opportunity to thank the parents and relatives of the five newly professed religious for their supportive presence on this occasion. Afterward, community members joined the guests for a festive lunch in honor of the newly professed. 

Mr. A. Vinoth Amalraj, C.S.C, comes from a traditional Catholic family of three children in the Diocese of Pondicherry. Having been inspired by his parish priests and the brothers who taught him, he pursued religious life in Holy Cross and professed his First Vows in 2016. During his formation, his ministries included teaching catechism, sacramental preparation, work with the disabled, and family ministry. All of these experiences contribute to Amal’s enthusiasm to join his confreres in pastoral ministry.

Mr. Pravin S., C.S.C., professed his First Vows in 2017 after entering formation in 2010. Pravin has a devotion to Our Lady and St. John De Britto and has a special sensitivity to the poor. His ministries have been teaching catechism, parish ministry, and working with the elderly. In the future, he would like to pursue work with the deaf and dumb community. Pravin is grateful for the support of his confreres and formators who have mentored him throughout his time in Holy Cross.

Mr. Joseph Inbaraj, A., C.S.C. is the younger of two boys and comes from Karungulum, Tamil Nadu. With the full support of his family, he entered Holy Cross in 2010 and professed his First Vows in 2017. Joseph cherishes his parents’ slogan that “Any work without faith and love becomes useless.” He shows his faith in his devotion to Our Lady, St. Joseph, St. André, and our Blessed Founder while striving to be a loving member of the community. Deacon Joseph has proven to be creative and zealous in ministry.

Mr. Anthony Jayaraj, C.S.C., comes from Kovilur in the District of Dharmapuri. The youngest of four children, Anthony professed his First Vows in 2013. In reflecting on his years of formation, he is filled with gratitude for the community, his formators, and the self-knowledge he has acquired from their support. His hobbies include sports and gardening. Inspired by the writings of Father Moreau and the life of St. Brother André, he looks forward to his future ministry and his continued journey in Holy Cross.

Mr. Aldo Vibi Brandon, C.S.C., is 26 years old and is from Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. Active in the church as a child, Brandon began his formation in Holy Cross in 2010 and professed his First Vows in 2017. His ministries, such as communion visits to the elderly and his work with children who have disabilities and those who are HIV infected, have deepened his faith and have increased his love for the poor. Brandon is grateful for the intercession of the Holy Spirit, Our Lady, and Brother André who sustain him in his vocation.