Photos Courtesy: Martin Vu
On Saturday, August 1, 2026, Brother Rafael Rodriguez, FSC, made his perpetual profession as a Brother of the Christian Schools during a joyful celebration at Mont La Salle in Napa, California.
Gathering many Brothers of the District of San Francisco New Orleans, together with Brother Rafael’s family and friends and other Brothers who have been significant throughout Brother Rafael’s formation, the celebration reflected the many relationships through which God’s call has been heard, encouraged, and sustained in Brother Rafael’s life. Reflecting this, Fr. Ryan-Joseph Resurreccion, OCarm presided with Fr. Miguel Briseño, OFMConv, as concelebrant, and Brother David Caretti, FSC, served as Brother Rafael’s vow sponsor. The presence of so many people significant to Brother Rafael is truly a sign of the diverse community of relationships that have accompanied him to this moment and will continue to sustain him.
Welcoming everyone to the liturgy, Brother Steven Vasoli, FSC, Director of Formation, reflected upon the enduring power of the words Brother Rafael was about to pronounce: “Extraordinary words have the power to give shape to our lives, to give our lives meaning, orientation, texture and content.” Using the same words, which have their origins in the Founder and the first Brothers, Brother Rafael consecrated himself entirely to the Most Holy Trinity for the educational service of the poor, in association with the Brothers. Brother Nick Gonzalez, FSC, Brother Visitor, received his vows on behalf of the Brother Superior General.
Brother Rafael’s perpetual profession is a moment shared by hundreds of thousands of Brothers, who, over the history of the Institute, freely gave their lives to the human and Christian education of the young, especially the poor. It is more than commitment to a particular ministry or way of life. It is the definitive gift to God of a Brother’s whole life—freedom, relationships, possessions, and future. Brother Rafael’s profession during the liturgy was “to keep these vows faithfully all my life”, yet it will be lived each day through Brother’s fidelity to God, to his Brothers, and to those whom God will continue to entrust to his care.
