Phoenix: Pablo Carmona
by Elizabeth Baez, Miles Jesu Phoenix Ladies Community
On Friday, April 19, 2013, Pablo Carmona was surrounded by many longtime friends and members of Miles Jesu in the Phoenix area to celebrate the joyous ocassion of the profession of his perpetual vows. Some guests traveled quite a distance to accompany Pablo. The Mass of Profession took place in the chapel of the Miles Jesu Center on Baseline Road, decorated with gorgeous flower bouquets. Fr. Barry Fischer officiated as main celebrant and Miles Jesu Frs. Chris Foeckler, Romeo Salcido and Joe Knoll concelebrated.
Fr. Barry gave a simple but very clear and beautiful homily (using visuals and personal stories) on the meaning of being a Miles Jesu and the tools that a Miles Jesu must always carry with him. Community members Bob Delogu and John Griffiths helped spread a blue coth over Pablo while Tom Creen sang the Litany of the Saints. After professing his vows, Pablo was welcomed into full membership by his brothers and sisters in Miles Jesu with hugs and handshakes. The atmosphere and liturgy of the Easter Season made the ceremony all the more moving and joyful.
After Mass, everyone went on to the dining area where there were all kinds of treats and foods prepared by the many people who come to the Center. From fried and baked chicken to tacos and stuffed macaroni accompanied by different desserts- quite a feast. The celebrations extended far into the evening.
Pablo himself was beaming with joy; it was a day for which he’d been waiting a long time!
Chicago: Maria Veronica Hernandez
In her own words
The ceremony of my perpetual vows took place at the Shrine of Divine Mercy, Saint Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Chicago Illinois at 3:00 pm on Sunday, April 21 2013. Reverend Father Barry Fischer CPPS celebrated the Mass and received my vows and a longtime friend of Miles Jesu Reverend Father Robert Coleman concelebrated. Mauro Mendez from Saint Jerome Parish [the Chicago community’s local parish] played the piano and sang the hymns. There were about one hundred guests, mainly members of my family, high school friends and very close family friends.
The words from the homily that caught my attention were, “You are not alone on making your vows because you are integrating into a faith family. You are also walking with your brothers and sisters in the community. You can count on family and friends. Together we can help each other to reach the heights. You can count on us as we count on you.” I know my weakness and my great need from those around me. I also was conscious of the presence of the Triumphant Church during the Litany of the Saints; my invocations were a request for their intercession to reach for me the grace I need to answer my call. And above all my consecration through and in the Immaculate Heart of Mary while prostrated before God and clothed with Mary’s mantle [referring to the Miles Jesu custom of covering the person making vows with a large blue cloth during the Litany of the Saints] was like being enwrapped in my mother’s womb having my mind, heart, and soul fully alert and disposed to do His will. Acknowledging my principle and foundation which is to love, serve, and give reverence to God and through it attain salvation for me and for all people.
I am very thankful to God for letting my parents walk with me down the church’s aisle and offering me to God. My mother said that she had a mixture of feelings: happiness because God has chosen me for His spouse and sadness as the one she felt the very first time when she let me go to join Miles Jesu about 14 and a half years ago.
Our guests shared with me and my family their joy to witness my total gift. They have received a sense of peace and experienced the closeness to God. I ask for your prayers that our Lord grant me the grace to persevere in my vocation and for my continuous conversion. Count on my daily prayers and sacrifices.
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