On September 14, during the celebration of the Mass of the Triumph of the Cross, Brother Yakob (Ethiopia) pronounced his vows of chastity, poverty and obedience for life in Rimont (France). This feast is the feast of “Meskel” (the Cross) that we celebrate as a solemnity in Ethiopia.

The mass started with the entrance procession, there our brother went forward with great enthusiasm to the altar, then he went to take his place. Several people who loved him followed him online on Facebook. After listening to the reading of the Holy Gospel, the first part of the consecration ritual began with the invocation of the Holy Spirit followed by the homily of the Prior General. Brother François-Xavier showed us the depth of the mystery of the cross, linked to this act of self-giving of the life of our brother.

“Yes, I do”

Brother Yakob expressed four times his desire to consecrate himself for life; to then prostrate himself and listen to the invocation to all the saints. The whole community gathered implored the intercession of heaven so that the blessing would descend upon him. A few moments later, his act of consecration was read and then the signature of the act of consecration. The perpetually professed brothers welcomed him into the Great Family of Saint John, and then the celebration of Mass continued.

At the end of the Eucharist we had the traditional aperitif where we were able to meet several of his compatriots and share with them. During the meal the apostolic sisters gave us a surprise: they shared with us a song in Amharic and we all raised our hands to give thanks with the chorists.
Thanks be to God, it was a fraternal celebration full of joy.