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The day of my solemn profession came at last on August 25th, 2007. This event was so significant in my life because I was first and foremost making a decisive choice, a lifetime commitment. Before making my solemn profession I began to think about how it all started: in other words, what events and experiences brought me to this point? The first thought that came to my mind was the time when I was just starting my initial formation. I remembered Oxnard, California where the house of initial formation is located and the weekend vocation retreats are held. In 1995 I first met Fr. José Luis Martínez who was vocation promoter at that time.

I was 19 years old. Thanks to his warm welcome and outgoing character I felt at home in Oxnard. This good impression made me reflect on whether it was God calling me or if it was just a personal feeling of gratitude toward the Augustinian Family. It took me a long time to discern this feeling until finally I was assured that it was God who was calling me. I was admitted to St. Augustine Priory in Oxnard in 1998, and remained there for two years. Then I was sent to Monteagudo, Spain to continue a year of novitiate (a time to discern, study, and learn about the Augustian Recollect life). After the novitiate experience, I was sent to Suffern, New York in 2001 to finish my philosophical studies at Seton Hall University.

When I arrived at Tagaste Monastery I was blessed to meet new brothers. Thanks to their support and encouragement, my vocation matured more, and through these experiences I began to appreciate and love my community and St. Augustine Province. After six years of formation at Tagaste, I have experienced a world I never dreamed about living. I have had great times and not-so- great times, but over all it has been an enriching and eye-opening experience that helped me to put things in perspective. On the day of my solemn profession, I experienced in a way, a summary of the events and experiences that formed me and brought me to this joyful day. It has been a long journey of nine years since I joined the Augustinian Recollects in Oxnard, California. This event made me remember all the people who have been part of my life throughout my years of formation, those who made an impact on me and those who are no longer in formation. Indeed, there is no question that all this time of initial formation has nurtured and helped me mature in my vocation to make this decisive lifetime commitment.

Nonetheless, whenever someone has to make a crucial decision, a person experiences mixed feelings: feelings of joy, anxiety, fear, and apprehension. This is true for many people and it was true for me. I was really overwhelmed thinking about all the preparation and, at the same time, about the new responsibilities that this perpetual commitment implies toward God, my community, the Church, and me.

The Eucharistic Celebration was a magnificent event; the chapel was full of people, people who have been supporting my religious formation throughout my time at Tagaste Monastery. The ceremony started at 11:00 a.m. I had a strange sense as I proceeded toward the altar. I really felt that this celebration of my solemn profession had to be a moment to mark my life and my spiritual journey. Indeed, it was a time to give thanks to God and to all who have encouraged me throughout my vocational discernment to cheerfully accept my total commitment to God.

I felt very blessed for many reasons. Both of my parents and one of my brothers were present, along with six Augustinian Recollect Sisters, and five priests of our sister Province of St. Nicholas of Tolentine. I also had the privilege to have Fr. Charles Huse, prior provincial of the St. Augustine Province, say the Mass and receive my solemn vows. In addition, along with Fr. Charles Huse was Fr. Ramón Gaitan, prior of Tagaste Monastery, and Fr. Marlon Beof, prefect of the professed students, who concelebrated the Mass and gave witness to my solemn profession. The atmosphere was a joyous one all day long. I truly felt assured of God's presence and strength to carry out my commitment.

After the Eucharistic celebration we had refreshments: sandwiches, soft drinks and cake in the Guild Hall. It was truly a community celebration where all were gathered to celebrate, worship and thank God for the abundant blessings that were bestowed on my community, my family, and on me.

Fra. Juan José Guzmán, OAR