The Augustinian Recollect David Conejo made his solemn profession in Madrid last Friday, September 4, on the feast of Our Lady of Consolation.
The feast of Our Lady of Consolation was celebrated in a special way in Madrid. The Augustinian Recollect David Conejo made his solemn profession in the parish of Saint Rita. The young man, of Costa Rican origin, gave his definitive yes to Christ as an Augustinian Recollect on the feast of the patroness of the Augustinian Recollection. The Prior Provincial of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Province, Sergio Sanchez, received the solemn profession of David Conejo and presided over the celebration, marked by the prevention measures against COVID-19.
The Augustinian Recollect was accompanied by more than 15 religious and dozens of lay people who, maintaining the health norms, wanted to be with David Conejo, as well as the people who followed the live broadcast through the social networks. As the Prior Provincial indicated in his homily, the Order receives with joy a new vocation that decides to follow Christ following the rule of St. Augustine and the intensity of the Recollection. “This family was waiting for you,” he said. Sergio Sanchez invited him to seek God: “Look at him, listen to him, follow him, contemplate him”.
He also assured him that he will always have his brothers: “You will always have a community that will help you. The Provincial also sent a loving and hopeful message. “How fortunate you are, especially loved by the Lord, to be a witness of his merciful love,” he proclaimed. Sergio Sanchez also brought to mind the Virgin of Consolation, before whom David deposited a lighted candle as a symbol of Marian devotion. “We need our brothers and sisters, and Mary wants to be in the midst of your life. She is the bearer of true consolation, Jesus Christ”.
As is traditional, David Conejo prostrated himself before the altar to ask for the intercession of the saints and later, on his knees before the Prior Provincial, he read the formula of profession. Unlike on other occasions, the professed did not embrace all the religious as a symbol of welcome to the community, but all those present gave an emotional applause that brought tears to the eyes of the new religious.
At the end of the celebration, the young religious made a thanksgiving, written by himself, in which he remembered his family and especially the Virgin of Consolation. “I thank the Lord Jesus Christ from the bottom of my heart for having called me to be His disciple,” he said.
