Ormoc City, Philippines. On July 6, 2025, six Claretian Novices, Peter Vu Ngoc Dinh, J.B. Nguyen Van Thai, Joseph Truong Van Sy, Joseph Do Thanh Chung, Charnito Dawa Tano, and Patrick Gyi Myint Oo, professed their First Religious Vows as Claretian Missionaries. At 9:30 a.m., in the sacred atmosphere of the St. Anthony Mary Claret Chapel in the Mission Center in Sitio OCREP, Brgy. Milagro, Ormoc City, surrounded by their Claretian brothers, families, and friends, they professed the evangelical vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in the hands of Fr. Amador “Ama” C. Tumbaga, CMF, Provincial Superior.
In his homily, Fr. Ama drew them into the heart of the Gospel where Jesus sends out the seventy-two disciples “two by two.” He emphasized that the mission is not carried out alone, but is a communal venture. Just as the disciples were companions, they too are sent in fraternity, supported by one another and called to accompany one another in joy and sacrifice. Fr. Ama also reminded them that, according to Canon Law, the commitment they made today is temporal. Yet, he invited them to live it in the spirit of perpetual commitment, meaning they must embrace it not as a temporary step, but as the beginning of a lifelong “yes” to God. It was a profound reminder that fidelity is built daily through constant renewal of the gift they have offered.
After the homily, each candidate professed his vows in the hands of the Provincial Superior, each word powerfully expressing their total gift of self to God’s mission. Receiving the soutane, the provincial cross, and the Constitutions were outward signs of their inner commitment and incorporation into the Congregation of Missionaries, Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Finally, the newly professed brothers were committed to Mary’s Heart, entrusting her with their lives and vocations.
“On this solemn and sacred day, I am reminded that our calling is not about personal accomplishment, but about God’s blessing. What we lived today is not merely any milestone. It is an encounter with God’s promise, entrusted into our hands and hearts. Together, as brothers, we step forward, sent ‘two by two’, on mission, in communion in the Claretian community.” – Sch. Dinh
By Sch. Peter Vu Ngoc Dinh, CMF
