27/04/2017
Br. Paul Won professed his final vows as a Marist Brother on April 22, 2017 at the Korea-Japan Sector House in Seoul, Korea. The Liturgy, which started at 3:00 in the afternoon, was presided over by Fr. Noel Shin, with 2 other priests concelebrating.
This very important day in the life of Br. Paul was made more memorable by the presence of his parents, as well as the Korean brothers from the different communities (Sector House, Marist Education Center, Formation House, Chungju, Jecheon and Kobe), friends, benefactors and family members.
Incidentally, the Provincial Council of East Asia had the meeting in Seoul on April 20-21; so all the members of the Council, led by the Provincial Br. Robert Teoh, were also present to witness Br. Paul's perpetual consecration. The occasion became an opportunity for the people in attendance to realize the international nature of the Institute as 6 teachers and 1 student from the Philippines, brothers from Hong Kong (Br. Anthony Tan), from the Philippines (Br. Edgar Ceriales), and from Japan (Br. Yohan Oh), were also around.
Fr. Noel gave a very inspiring homily. He challenged Br. Paul to be a candlelight wherever he goes and whatever he does, and bring the light of Christ to the the world. On the other hand, Br. Robert, in his message just before the final blessing, reminded Br. Paul by quoting the advice of Pope Francis, “First cultivate your interior life and then cultivate the hearts of the young people who come to you.”
As a remembrance, Br. Paul presented the attendants an apron and invited them to live like Mary. He said Mary's way is the way of renewal especially as we are celebrating the 200th anniversary of our foundation. The apron is a very appropriate symbol of the Marian face of the Church, he said, and those who receive it would join us to build the Marian face of the Church as MARISTS.
After the Mass, the congregation gathered at Marist Education Center next door for a simple fellowship meal.
Before joining the Marist Brothers in 2007, Br. Paul worked at a construction company in line with his professional training. He made his first profession in 2010. At present he is working at the Marist Eco-Spirituality Center in Jecheon.
Written by Br. Lindley
