Mr. Joe Kochendoerfer, OSFS, Father Craig Irwin, OSFS , Master of Ceremonies, and Father Jack Loughran, OSFS, Presider.
On Saturday, August 6, Joe Kochendoerfer professed, for the first time, the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales. He will renew his vows annually until he decides to make a permanent commitment to the Oblates in his perpetual profession.
It was a very moving and beautiful event celebrated on the Feast of the Transfiguration. In his homily, Father Mike Depcik, OSFS, used a quote from Corrie ten Boom. For those who do now know, Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker who aided Jewish people escaping from the Nazis during World War II by hiding them in her home. She was caught, arrested, and sent to a concentration camp.
Her most famous book, The Hiding Place, is a biography that recounts the story of her family's efforts and how she found and shared faith in God while imprisoned in the concentration camp. She wrote: "Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only God can see."
Corrie ten Boom's insight captures an essential aspect of the spirituality of Saint Francis de Sales. I mentioned in a previous reflection how valuable I find Francis' encouragement to be attentive to the present moment, for it is in the present moment where we meet God. Like Corrie ten Boom's insight, Joe Kochendoerfer found his way to the Oblates through the faith his family instilled in him and the people who inspired him to see religious life and priesthood as a viable way to respond to the Gospel. And, indeed, Joe met an Oblate, or two, or three, who helped direct his response by how they lived their lives of faith.
Joe's profession and Father Mike's homily drew me to reflect on those who have been in my life and opened my heart to the grace of God. I would not be the person I am without their example: family members committed to the Church, Oblate teachers filled with optimism and joy, and now those who share my life as Oblates. I am grateful beyond words and thank God for those who crossed my path and made a difference. Who has done that for you? Maybe today is a good day to be thankful for "Every experience God gives us, every person he puts in our lives…" Perhaps today is a good day to thank those who gave direction in your life!
Fr. Jack Loughran, OSFS
Provincial
Toledo-Detroit Province
