God’s love has no language, no culture, and no walls. Two members of our formation house have received the diaconal order, and they are only one step away from becoming Claretian priests.
Ray John Kenneth Batistis Mejorada, CMF started his religious path in the Philippines, Tien Dinh Vu, CMF in Vietnam. Last Saturday, August 15, at Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in south Chicago, they both gave their perpetual “yes” as deacons, answering the universal mission and being incorporated into the USA and Canada Province. They were ordained by the Most Reverend Mark A. Bartosic, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago,
“This path requires a lot of work, sacrifices, and renunciations, as well as accepting uncertainty and new things. Arriving at perpetual profession and diaconal ordination represents a great commitment,” shares Fr. Francisco Javier Reyes, CMF.
Fr. Javier is the Prefect of Formation and Vocations of the Claretian Missionaries USA-Canada Province and has accompanied Tien and Ray during the last five years of their formation process. “They are courageous young men, firmly rooted in their faith in Jesus and in his project for the Kingdom.”
Over 150 people gathered at Our Lady of Guadalupe church to accompany Tien and Ray. Friends, parishioners, and family also offered testimonies to their faith and loyalty to God’s cause.
Fr. Javier shares that even though formation can look like one of the more structured and predictable ministries, it is also full of uncertainty. Because we never know where God will be taking people, this is a process that requires a lot of trust and faith.
For anyone considering religious life, Fr. Javier offers these wise words:
“God does not disappoint; God gives back a hundredfold. He leads us to unimagined places, breaks our limits and borders. Do not be afraid; the Spirit of God blows where it wills. Come participate in a discernment retreat or a mission program, in winter or in summer. We are here to accompany you in your process of searching and discernment.”
To learn more, visit: beaclaretian.org
Congratulations and welcome to the Claretian family, Tien and Ray! Thank you for your “yes.” We are confident that you will be a fire that lights up many hearts in the Claretian family.
