My Novitiate experience by Br Kenneth Micallef.

The 8th September, feast of the nativity of Our Lady, was the most important day of the novitiate. Twenty novices, including myself, became Salesians of Don Bosco and twenty-nine young men started their novitiate at Monte Oliveto, Pinerolo. During this year of novitiate these novices will study their vocation more profoundly and continue the journey they have started in their aspirantate.

Our first profession was held at Colle Don Bosco and the ceremony started at 3.30 p.m. Fr. Stefan Turansky, General Councillor for the North European Region celebrated Mass and received the profession in front of a large congregation. Among other Salesians concelebrating were Fr. Fabio Attard and Fr. Francis Zammit representing the Maltese community. I was happy to have them present on this special day of my life. This was the day of re-affirming my baptism, in which I was consecrated to the Lord. On the day of my profession I celebrated the gift of my calling to follow the Lord more closely and to participate in His mission through the Salesian constitutions.

The Eucharistic celebration of the first profession will remain imprinted in my heart forever. The Gospel which guided us during the year of our novitiate was the first miracle of Jesus at Cana of Galilee and the phrase chosen was the one uttered by Mary to the servants:”Do whatever he tells you”. The beautiful hymns sung by the Lanzo Torinese choir added to the solemnity of the occasion. It is difficult to express the joy we felt when we pronounced the vows. They were moments of grace and joy.

Also present for the ceremony were my family, relatives and friends. I was lucky to have them present and share my joy. After Mass you could feel the happiness of all those who witnessed the profession. They shared the joy of the Congregation for the gift of twenty new young Salesians.