Fr Peter Gallagher SJ, Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Britain, presided at the 6pm Mass and received Geoff’s profession of perpetual poverty, chastity and obedience on behalf of the Superior General of the Society of Jesus.
Family, friends, fellow Jesuits and partners in mission gathered for the celebration, including Geoff’s parents, Marilyn and Jos te Braake, who travelled from South Africa for the occasion.
Final Vows mark the definitive incorporation of a Jesuit into the Society of Jesus, following many years of formation, prayer and ministry. Geoff entered the Jesuit novitiate in Birmingham in 2010 and has since served across a range of ministries in the British Province.
Geoff’s path to the Society began while he was living and working in London and looking for ways to explore and deepen his faith. After discovering the Mount Street Jesuit Centre (now London Jesuit Centre), he attended an Ignatian Day, became involved in Christian Life Community and found a spiritual director.
Reflecting on where that journey led, Geoff said:
“All this, in hindsight formed part of my journey towards feeling a call to religious life. After struggling with this for a while, when I accepted it, I knew it was as a religious brother, but I did not know of which order. Then I met a Jesuit brother and I began to consider a Jesuit vocation. As I explored more I felt at home and continued.”
Preaching at the Mass, Fr Peter drew on the Gospel image of the treasure hidden in the field and reflected on Geoff’s vocation as a Jesuit Brother.
He said:
“The treasure hidden in the field, is Geoff’s effectiveness, his kindness and his many achievements. Respecting his reticence, this is a day for the rest of us to express gratitude. At his Final Vows, may Brother Geoff te Braake hear from the Society of Jesus, a profound thanks, an acceptance and a definitive incorporation. This religious body is his home.”
Fr Peter also acknowledged Geoff’s parents and the journey they had made to be present, thanking them “for the gift of Geoff to the Jesuits and to the Church.” He concluded his reflection on Geoff’s vocation by returning to the Gospel image at the heart of his homily:
“The treasure hidden in the field is a gift to be shared. The ownership of the field entrusted to us is a responsibility. The work we do in the field, the life we lead in this world, are a revelation to each of us of God’s call and grace.”
For anyone who may themselves be wondering whether God is calling them to a Jesuit vocation, Geoff’s advice is characteristically simple:
“Explore, try it out.”
You can view / download Fr Peter Gallagher's homily below.
If you would like to explore a vocation in the Society of Jesus please visit our vocations website.
