The celebration of All Saints’ Day and the birthday of Brother Gabriel was the perfect setting for the celebration of Vicente Santi’s religious profession on 1 November. It was held in the chapel of the Puyo community, and was attended by all the Brothers of the Ecuador Delegation, a large representation of the Quechua family, some friends and members of the Fraternity.
The readings for the Solemnity and the commentary in the homily, delivered by Monsignor Rafael Cob, Bishop of Puyo, illuminated this offering by Brother Vicente. The rite of Profession, with its various elements, was experienced by all with fervour and gratitude. ‘…But not my will, but yours be done’ was the motto chosen by the newly professed for this moment. The ‘yes, I am willing’ he pronounced during the questioning of the rite was confirmed by the reading of the formula of Profession, which was received by Brother Fernando Cob, delegate of the Provincial.
At the offertory, along with the bread and wine, his mother offered a mokawa, a very special clay pot made by the women of the Amazon, and his father offered an ashanga, a sturdy basket filled with fresh fruits from the jungle: bananas, cassava and other gifts of the earth. ‘This basket is a sign that we are grateful for the food and for the efforts of those who cultivate it without damaging the forest,’ was said in the offertory. These elements spoke to us of the indigenous roots of our Brother Vicente.
At the end of the Eucharist, some messages of support that we had received were read. Among them was one from the Superior General, which said: ‘…God shows you his love through this vocation and wants to count on you to bring his love to all people. I also thank God for the communities of Puyo and Quito that have accompanied you in your formation during these years…’
After the Eucharist, we had a meal shared by all those attending the ceremony: about sixty people were in the community dining room accompanying Vicente. We wish Brother Vicente much dedication and fidelity to this newly assumed commitment and in the new stage of the scholasticate that is beginning.
