A religious journey with the Adornos begins in the Novitiate formation. From then, the novice will live out the Order’s spirituality and charism under the direction of the Novice Master. At the end of a full year, the novice will make his simple profession of vows, giving himself three years to live out the vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and humility. While continuing his academic formation, a simple professed brother must renew his vows each year after a three-year period.
Such a journey takes so many years of perseverance, patience, commitment and dedication to the Adorno way of life. Following Jesus Christ in the life of our Order with the inspiration of the Founders, entails recognition of the God who, for his good purpose, works in the religious to desire and to work for his Kingdom (cf Phi 2:13)
Br. John Bert Lolo, CRM’s journey before solemn profession started 11 years ago in a humble town of Labo, Camarines Norte Philippines. He graduated from the Holy Trinity College Seminary in Labo, Camarines Norte with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Classical Philosophy Major in Religious Education. He was accepted into the novitiate formation in 2012 and devoted one full year to learn, discern, and practice the Adorno way of life. After novitiate, he was admitted to make the profession of simple vows on June 9, 2013. He was then sent and continued his formation to the United States of America in the community of the Adorno Fathers in Ramsey, New Jersey. He attended the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology in Seton Hall University to complete his Masters in Divinity, Major in Pastoral Theology.
After intense prayer and discernment of his religious vocation with the Adorno Fathers, Br. John Bert finally was admitted to make his solemn profession of vows on March 6, 2018. Such joy and happiness filled his heart while prostrating before the altar in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lodi, New Jersey. In the presence of many priests of the Adorno USA-Philippines Delegation, Priests of Newark Archdiocese, Salesians, Vocationists, Religious Sisters of Life, and other religious congregation present, the celebration left an impression of God’s graciousness in the life of Br. John Bert.
Fr. Ted Kalaw, CRM, superior of the delegation received Br. John Bert’s solemn profession of vows. In his homily, he stated the seriousness of living one’s religious vows in our world today. His life must shine like lights in the world, while drawing strength from the religious community. From now on, Fr. Ted adds quoting from the constitution “Common is God, common is the commitment to perfection, common are the difficulties, common the work, common the salvation, common finally will be the glory” (Constitution of the Clerics Regular Minor no. 69).
Br. John Bert is very thankful to God for calling him to be an Adorno Religious. “God never gives up on me all these years and never will” Br. John Bert says with a big, bright smile on his face. He thanks Fr. Ted and the community sending him to do pastoral works to form a children’s choir specially in his time of difficulties. He says that, “The children and their parents have inspired me to follow the path Jesus called me to take. Jesus loves Children and during my years of preparation, I have come to appreciate the simplicity and innocence of these Children. I desire to be like Jesus to them.”
Fr. Ted Kalaw, CRM Solemn Profession Homily
Br. John Bert Lolo, CRM Solemn Profession, March 6, 2018 Picture Gallery