In a joyful celebration 34-year-old Matthew Crawford took final vows on the 22nd of November. Matt professed the vows of poverty, obedience and chastity in the Society of Mary (Marists) for the rest of his life. He did so in front of a full church during the 5.00pm Mass at St Mary of the Angels parish in central Wellington.
For Matt it was a return to the church where he worshipped for several years. Originally from Whangarei Matt was joined by his parents and family, and many friends, some of whom had travelled long distances to be present. Over 40 other Marists were present to support and celebrate with Matt.
Fr Brian Cummings SM, Provincial Superior of the Society of Mary in New Zealand, received Matt’s vows on behalf of the Superior General. Coincidentally the newly elected Superior General, Fr John Hannan SM, took office the same day in Rome.
The perpetual profession of vows is the climax of eight years of prayer, study and preparation since Matt entered Marist Seminary in Auckland in 2001. Matt’s journey to this moment included a novitiate year in Sydney and two year’s cross cultural experience spent with the Marists in Mexico.
Matt will be ordained Deacon in Auckland Cathedral on the 13th of December. He has been appointed to join the community at St Mary of the Angels in Wellington for 2010. In Wellington he will study in the school of Education at Victoria University and help pastorally in the parish. Next year Matt will be ordained to the priesthood in Whangarei.