SPIRITUAL DOUBLE HEADER

Fra. Matthew Alejo, OAR, professes his vows at Tagaste Monastery in Suffern, New York, on August 28, 2004, in the presence of Fr. John Gruben, Prior Provincial (center), Fr. Frank Wilder, Local Prior (left) and Fr. Marlon Beof, Director of Students (right).

While it's common to use the expression "Double Header" to refer to athletic competitions like baseball games, it's kind of unusual to apply it to religious events. However, I think we could appropriately say that Fra. Matthew Alejo's recent profession of solemn vows and ordination to the diaconate would qualify as a "Spiritual Double Header."

The rites of solemn profession and diaconate ordination are two very different "promotions" within the Catholic Church. Profession of vows pertains to a person's commitment to the service of God through a particular religious family, such as the Augustinian Recollects. Ordination pertains to a person's commitment to serve God through incorporation into the pastoral leadership (hierarchy) of the Catholic Church. Normally these two "steps" in becoming an Augustinian Recollect priest are separated by a period of time in which seminary studies continue. However, since Fra. Matthew had already completed his formal studies, the time between solemn profession and diaconate ordination was shortened. His profession of solemn vows took place on August 28, 2004 (the Solemnity of St. Augustine). He received diaconate ordination on September 25, 2004.

Both of these important events in the spiritual life of Fra. Matthew took place at Tagaste Monastery, the formation house or major seminary of the Augustinian Recollects, located in Suffern, New York. Appropriately Fr. John Gruben, OAR, current prior provincial of the Augustinian Recollects, received the solemn profession of Fra. Matthew in which he committed himself permanently to the Augustinian Recollect family. Bishop David Arias, OAR, retired auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, ordained Fra. Matthew to the diaconate.

Each of these events was attended by the parents and relatives of Fra. Matthew as well as by the Secular Augustinian Recollects, Guild members, and by the many friends and benefactors of Tagaste Monastery. It was truly a joy to have Fra. Matthew's parents, who live in California, with us and especially with their son for these important occasions in his religious life.

Since Fra. Matthew is of Filipino descent, the presence of the local Filipino community was very evident at both of these celebrations. The Filipino choir from St. Joseph Parish in Spring Valley, New York, provided a beautiful and inspiring array of liturgical music for the Mass. They decorated the reception hall for the occasion. They helped prepare a special brunch, consisting mainly of Filipino delicacies, for all the guests, enabling the many non-Filipinos present to sample new kinds of ethnic food.

Prayer and fraternity are two important parts of the Augustinian Recollect tradition. It is always taken for granted, then, that when we gather together as a community of faith, we spent time in both prayer and sharing. Fra. Matthew's solemn profession and diaconate ordination provided opportunities to gather at Tagaste Monastery, which so many of our friends consider their "home away from home", and be joined together in a spirit of joy for Fra. Matthew and his family, and gratitude to God for the gift of Fr. Matthew's vocation to the Order and the Church.

Fra. Matthew's parents had the following reaction to the meaning of his diaconate ordination: "We have waited very patiently for this day, as our son enters into service through Holy Orders. As we watched the bishop impose hands on him and give him the Book of Gospels, the power of the rite spoke very clearly to us of the responsibilities that Matthew has undertaken. As parents, we are very proud and blessed that God has given us such a gift in our son. Now it is our turn to share that blessing with the Church."

In the near future, Fra. Matthew will be having a four-month mission experience in Mexico under the direction of members of the Augustinian Recollects of St. Nicholas Province. It will be an appropriate preparation for the next "step" in his spiritual journey, the priesthood, which, God willing, will take place next spring.

Fra. Matthew Alejo, OAR, at the reception following his profession. Fra. Matthew's parents stand to his right and other family members to his left.

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