By Cordelia Lee
SELANGOR — After years of dedicated formation within the Society of Jesus, Fr Albert Tan, SJ, professed his Final Vows on Nov 13, during a Mass at the Church of St Francis Xavier. The day coincides with the Feast of St Stanislaus Kostka, a young Jesuit who is known for his holiness and iron determination to follow God’s call.
Fr Francis Lim, SJ, the Regional Superior of Malaysia-Singapore Jesuit Region, accepted the vows on behalf of Fr General Arturo Sosa, SJ. The Mass was attended by the Jesuit community, clergy, guests, parishioners, family, and close friends.
Jesuits undergo a rigorous formation process, which includes five key stages: novitiate, first studies, regency, theology, and tertianship. Fr Albert Tan’s journey included studies in the Philippines and Canada during his novitiate, leading to his ordination as a priest in 2005. He served at SFX, PJ as assistant parish priest, and later parish priest from January 2013 to December 2015. He then went to Australia to pursue a Master’s degree in Spiritual Direction. Fr Albert was assigned to the Philippines in 2019 as Socius to the Novice Master and retreat giver for the Sacred Heart Retreat House.
Returning to Malaysia in November 2021, Fr Albert assumed the role of Director of Maranatha House of Prayer. He has found retreat-giving and spiritual direction to be both life-giving and humbling experiences.
In his speech after Mass, Fr Albert related how a friend likened the final vows to a marriage vow which couples renew at their golden jubilee anniversary. “Although the vows remain the same as when they were first professed at a wedding, it carries a much deeper meaning for the couple who, over 50 years, went through the trials, tribulations and joys of marriage,” said Fr Albert.
Fr Albert expressed gratitude to the Jesuit community and reflected on his priestly journey. He described the final vows as a celebration and reaffirmation of his commitment to serve the Lord. – Herald Malaysia
