On February 2, 2023, Solemnity of the Presentation of the Lord and Day of Consecrated Life, Edison Padilla made his Solemn Profession in the Order of the Pious Schools. Juan Diego Botero and Brayan Asto made their simple Profession with him, and Juan Diego Hernández renewed his religious consecration for another year. The ceremony was presided over by Father Provincial, Oswaldo Espinoza, who was accompanied by the Piarist religious of Bogota and some who came from other communities of the Province.
The celebration took place in the chapel of the Colegio Calasanz Bogotá. It was attended by the Piarist Sisters, Calasanctians, relatives, friends, alums and members of the Fraternity of the Pious Schools. In addition, the ceremony was broadcast through the YouTube Channel of Escolapios Nazaret, thinking of the families of Edison and Brayan, who could not attend in person.
During the homily, Fr. Oswaldo highlighted the courage of these young people who decided to give their lives for Jesus and invited them to be faithful to their consecration and the service of children and young people. He also pointed out the relevance of these professions for the Province since, for the first time, the three young piarists from the three countries that make up the Demarcation professed simultaneously. Edison Padilla is Ecuadorian, a graduate of Calasanz Cañar; Brayan Asto is Peruvian, a graduate of Colegio Fe y Alegría 41 – Calasanz de Lima; Juan Diego Botero is Colombian, a graduate of Calasanz Pereira.
Undoubtedly the most emotional moment of the ceremony was when these young people read their professions, full of emotion. It was a beautiful opportunity for all present to remember their commitment to their vocation. At the end of the liturgical celebration, dinner was shared in the school coliseum as a sign of gratitude for the accompaniment of our brothers and sisters.
We thank God for the consecration of these Piarists and ask Him to keep them faithful to the vocation they have received.
Sergio Suárez, Sch. P.
