Fr. McTeigue to Profess Final Jesuit Vows Saturday

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Published on Monday, 15 November 2010 16:10

For most priests, ordination marks the end of his preparation for the religious life. For Jesuits, it's just the beginning of a journey that culminates with the profession of final vows, which can occurs more than 20 years after ordination.

Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J., of Ave Maria University will make his final profession of Jesuit vows this Saturday, Nov. 20, at a special Mass at 5 p.m. in the oratory presided by Fr. James Casciotti, S.J.,the Provincial Assistant of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus.

Fr. McTeigue began his preparation two decades ago. "After two years of novitiate training," he said, "I made simple but perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and made an unconditional commitment to the Society of Jesus.  On Nov. 20 I will renew those vows solemnly, and the Society of Jesus will make an unconditional commitment to me."

Along the way, he also had to complete the final stages of his training, what Jesuits call which "tertianship," which includes making the full Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Now, with his final vows, Fr. McTeigue says, "The Society of Jesus will state publicly that it sees in me what our founder, Saint Ignatius Loyola, intended for Jesuits.  That is the greatest affirmation I can receive in this life." Saturday is also special for him, he said, because "on that day, the Vigil of the Solemnity of Christ the King -- a central image of Jesuit spirituality -- we can acknowledge that Christ the King is still at work in the world, for we have seen that He is at work here in Ave Maria."

 In addition to the Mass Saturday at which Fr. McTeigue will profess final vows, there also will be a Mass of Thanksgiving at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, in the oratory.

Receptions for the community at The Bean will follow both masses and all are invited. On Saturday, coffee and cake will be served with live music provided by AMU students. Sunday, Fr. McTeigue encourages people to visit with him and his family at brunch at The Bean.

Fr. Robert Tatman, pastor of the Ave Maria Oratory parish, said he hopes as many people as possible turn out to support Fr. McTeigue.

"With Our Blessed Mother's continued blessing, we would like to thank Fr. McTeigue for his continued dedication and service to his Jesuit vocation and his wonderful ministerial spirit to all the students and parishioners of Ave Maria University and the Quasi-Parish of Ave Maria Oratory," Fr. Tatman said.