By Angeli Scott
First Profession of Vows: A Foretaste of the Legionaries of Christ Ordinations
On August 9, 2025, four second-year novices made their First Profession of Vows at a special Mass and ceremony at the Legionaries of Christ Novitiate and College of Humanities in Cheshire, CT. By professing vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, these young men formally became religious seminarians. Additionally, 14 seminarians renewed their vows and will soon travel to Rome to continue their formation toward the priesthood.
The Mass of Professions began with a reverent procession of the novices and seminarians, followed by more than 25 Legionaries of Christ priests. For Regnum Christi members, it was especially moving to witness the future Legionary priests walking with those Legionaries who presently guide and shepherd us. These priests will mentor the seminarians in becoming apostles who work to build Christ’s Kingdom—a mission central to the charism of both the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi.
Adding a special and personal touch, family members of the novices participated in the Liturgy of the Word by proclaiming the Scripture readings and Responsorial Psalm. Following the Gospel reading, the Rite of First Profession began with the Call of the Candidates. As each name was announced, the novice stood up and said, “Present.”
Then came the solemn question:
“My dear brothers, what do you ask of God and his holy Church?”
They answered in unison: “To consecrate myself to God as a Legionary of Christ in the service of the Church and Regnum Christi.”
Fr. Aaron and the people replied: “Thanks be to God.”
Their response deeply resonated with the Gospel proclaimed during the Mass, John 12:24–26: “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.” Their courageous “yes” to God’s call was both moving and inspiring.
A Call to the “Upward Way”
Fr. Shawn Aaron, LC, North American Territorial Director, opened his homily with a powerful reflection:
“Just one thing—not focused on what I have to let go of, but first focusing in my heart, and with the eyes of my heart, and ultimately with the totality of my life—focusing on that upward calling in Christ Jesus.”
His message was not only for the seminarians, but for all present. Fr. Aaron encouraged each of us to ask, “What is that upward calling that God is asking of me?”
He acknowledged that this vocation may seem impossible—but reminded us that with God, all things are possible. The very first call, he said, is God loving you into existence. Long before these men said “yes” to their vocation, God had already said “yes” to them through the Cross. Their call is to embrace His degree of love—undeserved, tenacious, and unwavering. “It’s a noble calling,” he told the novices. “You are the blessed ones, beginning to perceive what He is offering to you. How blessed are your eyes that see and your ears that hear!”
During their two years of novitiate, these young men have grown familiar with the Lord—His heart, His thoughts, His ways—so they can become faithful witnesses and apostles to others. Why choose this life? Because it is worth it to give everything for Christ. Their joy, even amid sacrifice, is visible—and prophetic. Their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience stand as a countercultural witness to a world in need of authentic hope and love.
Fr. Aaron concluded with gratitude, “Your ‘yes’ is also the ‘yes’ of your family—and it’s not easy. Thank you.” He invited all of us to ask, “What is God asking of me now? What is that upward calling, that surrender, that access He desires in my life that your witness awakens in me?”
The Vow Ceremony and Celebration
After the homily, the ceremony continued with the profession and renewal of vows. Each newly professed brother received a crucifix as Fr. Aaron said, “Receive this crucifix. May Christ crucified be your sole possession always.” They responded, “Hail, O Cross, our only hope!”
The following day, in a beautiful reflection of the diversity of vocations, several parents and other guests renewed their wedding vows at another Mass. It was a touching juxtaposition of two distinct but equally meaningful paths to holiness—religious life and marriage.
Both ceremonies were followed by joyful BBQ picnics, where families, friends, seminarians, and Legionaries gathered in fellowship. It was a special opportunity to reconnect with those seminarians we’ve come to know and witness the fruit of their spiritual growth. We were also able to greet newer candidates and spend time with Legionaries not often present in Cheshire.
From First Vows to the Priesthood
Having experienced the beauty of the Ordinations in Rome this past May and now the Professions in Cheshire, it was evident that both events share a common spirit of sacrificial love, joy, and profound gratitude. While more intimate in scale, the Professions Mass echoed the same reverence and sense of celebration seen at the ordinations. Family, friends, Regnum Christi members, and Legionaries gathered in support of these men who have chosen to give their lives to God.
There’s a special joy in witnessing the joy of others—especially those who radiate the joy of knowing Christ. These young men may never fully grasp the countless lives they will touch through their mission of evangelization and forming apostles, but those lives will undoubtedly be transformed.
The Journey of Formation
The path to becoming a Legionary of Christ is one of deep discernment, study, and service. It spans approximately 13 years, beginning with the Aspirancy Program, followed by the two-month Candidacy program. The journey then unfolds as follows:
- Novitiate (2 years) – Concludes with First Profession of Vows.
- Humanities (2 years) – Followed by renewal of vows.
- Philosophy in Rome (3 years) – Concludes with a four-year renewal of vows.
- Apostolic Internship (2 years) – Practical missionary service.
- Theology in Rome (3 years) – Culminates in Perpetual Vows which are diaconate ordination, and finally, ordination to the priesthood
Please continue to pray for the sanctity, fidelity, and fortitude of these brothers as they journey toward the priesthood. May they be strengthened by God’s grace and inspired by the Cross they have chosen to carry with joy.
