“Not the end of a path, but an important milestone”

For eleven years, Brothers Patrice Eugene Rakotoniaina, Clement Randrianasolo, and Bruno Rafanomezantsoa have been journeying together: their religious formation began in 2015 in their homeland of Madagascar. In January 2020, they arrived in Germany to live in the community of the Priests of the Sacred Heart in Freiburg and study theology. And now (Sunday, September 13, 2026), they have professed their perpetual vows in the community’s church before the Provincial, Father Stefan Tertünte SCJ, many fellow brothers, and a large congregation of the faithful.

“This is not the end of my path, but an important milestone,” Brother Clement said a few days before his profession, and the other two nodded in agreement. Although this path was not always easy, “doubts are part of it,” they agree—and even more so, Brother Clement believes: “You have to live through the difficult times. That is when you need to reflect and make a decision, which is a good thing!”

Spiritual directors, friends, and family were always there whenever there was a need to share and talk things through. For this, the three brothers are grateful. Brother Patrice explicitly mentions Father Marcio Auth SCJ, the rector in Freiburg, and emphasizes: “It gives you a lot of strength when someone says: ‘I’m praying for you!’”

For Brother Bruno, shared trips and experiences were key milestones along the way: the international spirit of World Youth Day, last year’s trip to Rome together, and, above all, the pilgrimage to the sources—the places that are important to Father Leo Dehon and the congregation. “It was very moving and personally very important to me,” he stresses.

A one-week retreat with Father Olav Hamelijnck SCJ also helped the young religious gain even greater clarity about their lives, their faith, and their vocation. “It was an intense time,” says Brother Clement, and Brother Patrice adds: “The times of silence and prayer, as well as the exchanges, were important for me to take this next step with even greater determination.”

“I say yes to God, I am ready”—this is what taking vows means to Brother Clement. “I am definitively entering my new family, the community of my brothers, and becoming part of the congregation,” Brother Bruno shares regarding his feelings. “It is a mature, conscious, and voluntary decision; I am 100% a Dehonian following Jesus”—this is how Brother Patrice expresses what this step represents for him.

“To love is an action word”

In his homely, the Provincial Superior, Father Tertünte, addressed the concept of “love.” He referred to the founder of the Congregation, Father Leo Dehon, stating: “In principle, for Dehon as for Jesus, love is an action. It is not simply a feeling, not just something to enjoy. No, love is an action. To love is an action word.”

He then highlighted the significance of this day for his three young brothers: “Through your perpetual vows, you offer a grateful profession of faith: that Jesus’ loving self-giving is already your way of life and should remain so forever. That a vital and fruitful union with Christ should shape you more and more. For this witness, for this profession of faith, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And we wish that you may continue to grow ever more in this love.”

The Eucharistic celebration—during which Brothers Bruno, Patrice, and Clement professed their perpetual vows before a large turnout of the faithful—was followed by a reception in the community library and a festive lunch.

The journey of the three religious in Germany will continue for about another year to a year and a half. By then, they will have completed their studies, passed all their exams, and submitted their master’s theses.