“Finally” Vows

Jun 18

Jonathan Dicks, OSFS, professing his vows to Superior General Fr. Barry Strong, OSFS.

I’m writing from our North American Oblate Convocation 2025. We are all gathered at DeSales University in Center Valley, PA, for a week of prayer, discussion, and reflection. As you can imagine, it is a powerful week. On Wednesday, one of our young Oblates, Mr. Jonathan Dick, OSFS, professed his perpetual vows with us. We often call perpetual vows “final vows.” But I don’t see them as “final” in the sense of ending - I like to think of them as “finally” vows. After many years of a growing relationship with God and the Oblates, we finally make a perpetual commitment to one another. Jon is a wonderful Oblate, and I am looking forward to his witness for many years to come.

I am giving this background to provide the context for this reflection. In preparation for Jon’s “finally” vows, we gathered in the chapel Tuesday night for a Reconciliation service. Yes, priests go to other priests for Reconciliation. The service was wonderfully crafted and provided an examination of conscience from 8 selected ailments Pope Francis brought to the Roman Curia. Each ailment was paired with an insight from Francis de Sales. I’ve included it here.

I found this examination of conscience fertile ground for reflection in preparation for Jon’s perpetual vows. When reflecting on the ailments, I saw each of them active in my life, chipping away at my commitment to the vows, my commitment to the Oblate life, and soon, my commitment to Jon.

This is a normal experience. In the last part of the Introduction to the Devout Life, Francis presents the image of a clock that needs to be taken apart every year, cleaned, oiled, and repaired. It was time to take apart the clock. I am grateful for the Oblates who brought together this Reconciliation service. I am thankful for the grace to recognize, ask for forgiveness, and recommit to the Oblate life alongside Jon yesterday. I give my whole heart to this religious family once again.

Please pray for Jon Dick, OSFS, and for the Oblates!

May God be praised!