Fr Roberto Boholst SJ of the Philippine Province pronounced his Final Vows on 9 December at the Holy Family Chapel of Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s Lantaka campus in Zamboanga City. Philippine Provincial Fr Xavier Olin SJ received his vows on behalf of Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ while Fr Gil C Donayre SJ, Fr Boholst’s peer from his time in the Arvisu Candidacy House, gave the homily.

The ceremony was simple and intimate, attended by Fr Boholst’s parents, Jesuit community, and friends. In his thanksgiving message, he emphasised the simplicity of the occasion, accepting his full incorporation into the Society of Jesus with gratitude and humility.

“I have witnessed many Final Vows done very simply, even quietly. That is why, when people asked me why I was not inviting many people, I simply said that this day is meant to be simple—without fanfare,” he said.

He explained the significance of Final Vows compared to First Vows. While First Vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, taken after the novitiate, bind a Jesuit perpetually to the Lord and the Society, the Final Vows come later—after years of studies, mission work, and Tertianship. At this stage, the Society fully accepts, trusts, and sends the Jesuit again “ad majorem Dei gloriam” (for the greater glory of God).

“First vows make us Jesuits; final vows mean the Society desires us forever,” he said. He acknowledges his full incorporation into the Jesuits as part of the Society’s discernment. “I receive it today with humility and gratitude, knowing that this is a gift, not an entitlement or an accomplishment.”

Fr Boholst was a missionary in Timor-Leste for 10 years. He first served in Timor during his Regency, teaching English at Colégio de São José from 2006 to 2008 and again from 2012 to 2020. He served as Director of the Jesuit secondary school, Colégio de Sto Inácio de Loiola, for four years, before returning to the Philippines. He now serves as Junior High School Principal at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.