SoTS Welcomes Its Newest Brother: Br Zakeu Sarmento do Rego of Timor-Leste Makes First Profession at Marist Novitiate, SL

The Star of the Sea Province welcomed its newest Brother with the first profession of

Br Zakeu Sarmento do Rego, FMS, at the Marist International Novitiate on 21 March. Zakeu comes from Aileu, a mountainous municipality in the Archdiocese of Dili and home to a number of Timorese Marist Brothers.

Br Zakeu in traditional Timorese dress asking Br Greg to be admitted to the Institute as a vowed member of the Little Brothers of Mary

In a simple and joyful Eucharistic celebration, accompanied by hymns sung in a variety of languages by the Marist novices, Zakeu professed his vows of chastity, poverty and obedience for one year according to the Constitutions of the Little Brothers of Mary. The vows were received by Br Greg McDonald, Provincial Delegate to Timor-Leste & Cambodia, representing the Provincial, Br Darren Burge.

Br Zakeu re-entering the chapel in soutane with Master of Novices, Br Ángel Medina

Zakeu took as his theme "As the Father has loved me so I have loved you; abide in my love." (John 15:9). The chief presider, Father Anton Hettiarachchi, remarked on Zakeu's gentle yet significant presence as a brother among the people of the local parish community where he distributed Communion during Mass each Sunday and helped to organise pastoral activities with the children.

Br Zakeu signing his vows register with Fr Anton and Br Ángel

Director of the Novitiate, Br Ángel Medina, FMS, commented on how Zakeu had kept his eyes focused on his vocation. His three-month pastoral experience living in Thailand with the Marist District of AA Community and working with children on the margins further deepened his vocation to be a religious Brother.

Our sincere thanks go to the Novitiate formation team for accompanying Zakeu throughout his religious formation these past two years. May they continue to be blessed in their vital ministry of forming new brothers for the Institute.

Br Zakeu thanking his family in Timor-Leste, Novitiate Community and Brothers and local Marist friends who gathered to celebrate with him

We wish Zakeu every blessing in this first step into Marist religious life and the adventure he now undertakes as a new Brother of Champagnat. He returns home to spend time with his family before continuing his post-novitiate formation in Triloka, Baucau.

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-Greg McDonald, Provincial Delegate, Timor-Leste & Cambodia