“Accept, O Lord, my promise of life” – Perpetual profession of Fr. Adrian Hafner

On the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 8 September 2025, the parish community of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Timișoara III (Elisabethstadt) celebrated a special event: Fr. Adrian Hafner SDS took his perpetual vows during a solemn pontifical Mass. The Holy Mass was celebrated by Bishop Josef Csaba Pál and brought together faithful, religious and numerous priests from the Diocese of Timișoara.

Perpetual Professions in the Diocese of Timișoara

The church was filled to capacity when Fr. István Barazsuly SDS welcomed the bishop, his fellow priests, and the congregation. In his address, the diocesan bishop reminded everyone that God calls every person to a fulfilled life – just as Mary made her decision to respond to God's call.

The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Timișoara III (Elisabethstadt) was filled to capacity. (c) Press Office of the Diocese of Timișoara

During the liturgy, Fr. Adrian introduced himself to the community and expressed his desire to serve Christ for the rest of his life in the Salvatorian Order.

The significance of profession in the Salvatorian Order

In his homily, Provincial Fr. Márton Gál SDS emphasised that consecrated life does not end with profession. It is a daily journey marked by challenges but sustained by devotion to God. He recalled the charism of the Salvatorians: to make the Good News accessible to all people and to show solidarity especially with the poor.

Symbol of devotion: the perpetual vow

One of the most moving moments was the Litany of All Saints: Fr. Adrian threw himself to the ground as a sign of his humility and complete devotion. With the words, ‘Lord, accept my promise for life and strengthen my resolve with Your grace, so that I may fulfil what I have promised throughout my life,’ he confirmed his perpetual profession in the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.

Fr. Adrian Hafner SDS reaffirmed his perpetual profession in the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. (c) Press Office of the Diocese of Timișoara

International solidarity of the Salvatorians

Confreres from Hungary, Austria, Germany and Rome travelled to the celebration, including representatives from the Mater Salvatoris Formation Centre. The liturgy was celebrated in Romanian, German and Italian – a strong sign of the internationality and universality of the religious community.

Vocational ministry – a look to the future

At the end of the Mass, Fr. Márton Gál asked a question that gave many of those present pause for thought: ‘Who will be the next candidate?’ After the service and a group photo, the Salvatorian community invited all guests to an agape in the monastery courtyard.

Source: Diocese of Timișoara