Having completed their canonical year at the Holy Cross Novitiate in Huaycán, Peru, three novices professed their First Vows in the Congregation of Holy Cross on January 7, the Feast of St. André Bessette. They were: Mr. Randy Sánchez Méndez, C.S.C., of the United States Province of Priests and Brothers in Mexico, as well as Br. Severino Borges de Souza, C.S.C., and Br. Anderson Alves Francisco, C.S.C., both from the District of Brazil.

The Rite of Profession was held at the Peyton Center in Canto Bello, San Juan de Lurigancho, Peru, during an outdoor liturgy in the amphitheater. The Most Rev. Arturo Colgan, C.S.C., Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General of the Diocese of Chosica, presided, and Fr. Juan Phalen, C.S.C., Novice Master, was the homilist.

Fr. Phalen received the vows of Mr. Sanchez, while Br. Jonathan Beebe, C.S.C., Assistant Novice Master, received the professions of the two brothers from Brazil. Fr. José Luis Tineo, C.S.C., Pastor of El Señor de la Esperanza Parish, blessed and presented the cross and anchors to each novice, while Fr. Aníbal Niño Loarte, C.S.C., Director of the Instituto de Pastoral de la Familia (INFAM), blessed the cords and the cape.

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During the procession of gifts, the Sisters of Holy Cross carried the flags of Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States as a representation of the novitiate experience. They were followed by Br. Juan Benesh, C.S.C., who carried the Holy Cross Constitutions.

Mr. Sanchez offered remarks and thanks on behalf of the newly professed after Communion.  

After the liturgy, guests were invited to a simple lunch and cake in the dining room of the Peyton Center. Due to Covid-19, Holy Cross members from outside of Perú were unable to be present for the celebration; however, the Mass was viewed over 1,400 times by family and friends from around the world!  

In the next year, Br. Severino and Br. Anderson will continue their formation in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, while Randy will continue his formation and theological studies in Santiago, Chile, at the Holy Cross House of Formation, which gathers Holy Cross religious in formation from across Latin America and the Caribbean.