In the midst of uncertainties, God calls human beings to labour with Him in His vineyard. The world needs more people to march under the banner of His Son to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom—a kingdom of peace and justice. Two Jesuit novices, Roberto Boebo and Wenceslaus Than, have heard His call and responded to the invitation to work for peace and justice. They have said yes to His call by pronouncing their Frist Vows in the Society of Jesus, on 2 March in Phyaphyu, Taunggyi, Myanmar. Their vow to live and die in the Society of Jesus is one of many ways to collaborate with the Spirit, which leads human beings to fight against evil forces that bring conflict, violence, and suffering.

Newly-vowed Jesuits Roberto Boebo SJ and Wenceslaus Than SJ with Myanmar Superior Fr Girish Santiago SJ

Archbishop Basilio Athai of Taunggyi Archdiocese and Bishop Chelso Ba Shwe of Loikaw Diocese, along with many priests and religious, participated in the vow celebration. They had to travel through challenging and dangerous roads to come to the ceremony. The families of Roberto and Wenceslaus also had to endure difficulties to be present. All of them took great risks in order to show their solidarity and support for the two Jesuits as they made their vows. Their presence gave the new scholastics, who have chosen the path of the Society of Jesus to collaborate with the Good Spirit, more courage to embark on their journey of building the path for peace and justice.

The celebration was not only a religious ceremony; it was a celebration of human freedom to respond to the call of the Spirit. In the face of challenging socio-geographical circumstances, the vow celebration was a profound expression of human freedom in following God’s will. In the midst of uncertainties, the voices advocating for human freedom and justice must be heard and revealed. In this celebration, we witnessed the audacity of people to express their faith, exercise their human freedom, and speak for justice.