On March 18, the Vigil of the Feast of St. Joseph, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province celebrated the addition of four new religious to the Province. Mr. Arpon Clement Costa, C.S.C., Mr. Pritom Fidelis Ritchil, C.S.C., Mr. Shuvo Anthony Rozario, C.S.C., and Mr. Soikot Clement Palma, C.S.C., professed their First Vows in a Mass held at the Oriental Institute in Sagrada, Barishal, in Bangladesh. Fr. George Kamal Rozario, C.S.C., Superior of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province, presided and preached at the Mass of Profession, and received the vows of the novices.

Before their profession, the novices made an eight-day retreat directed by Fr. Edmond Cruze, C.S.C., who preached under the theme of A Call to Discipleship as Holy Cross Religious. The retreat closed with a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Fr. Elias Palma, C.S.C., Novice Master, where he encouraged the novices to offer themselves to God like Samuel: “Glorify his name with your life.”

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With the easing of COVID restrictions, local clergy, religious, and most importantly, parents and family members were able to attend. In his homily, Fr. Rozario spoke of religious life as a mystery: “We unveil the mystery with our heart. The vow reproduces love that binds us in Unity. And our call is to be humble.’’

Following the Liturgy was a thanksgiving ceremony and reception where Fr. Palma and Br. Shimul Rozario, C.S.C., Assistant Novice Master, gave their personal words of gratitude.

After a simple meal reflective of the Lenten season, the newly professed departed with their Provincial for Dhaka where they will continue their formation.