Seminarian Matt Broeren, C.S.Sp., professed his Perpetual Vows on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Duquesne Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Broeren will finish his theological education and be ordained in two years. 

The event took place during the U.S. Province’s 2024 Chapter, so a large group of professed and lay Spiritans were in attendance as well as Matt’s friends and family. Fr. Jeffery Duaime, C.S.Sp., 1st Assistant to the General Superior of the Congregation, presided and Fr. Bill Christy, C.S.Sp., Provincial of the U.S. Province gave the homily, reminding Matt of the “bespoke blessings” God will provide him as he has traveled through his vocational path as the only U.S. Spiritan currently in formation. 

The rite concluded with the following, spoken by Fr. Jeffery Duaime, “We confirm that you are now one with us as a member of the religious community of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, sharing all things in common with us forever.”
Following the example of Jesus, Spiritan Priests and Brothers take the same vows of poverty, chastity and obedience,  which are meant to allow them to rely fully on God and freely serve Him and their brothers and sisters. 

The path to vowed religious life comes in many stages. Vows are taken 3 times during the vocation process. Temporary vows are first taken at the end of one’s Novitiate for three years. At the end of those three years, the vows are renewed for 3 more years. After those 6 years of temporary vows, a candidate professes their final vows and moves towards Ordination if they are going to become a Spiritan Priest. 

Matt made his first profession of vows on Monday, July 22, 2019, at the Spiritan Center in Bethel Park, Pa. and renewed his vows on Friday, July 22, 2022, at Holy Trinity Parish in Sao Paulo, Brazil, during his Pastoral Mission Experience.

Join us in continuing to pray for Matt and his journey with the Spiritans.