Seminarians and Brother Candidates Renew Their Temporary Oath

Voices of Our World

The Permanent Oath is the lifetime commitment members make to Maryknoll at the time of ordination as priests or completion of training as Brothers.  During the initial formation years we make yearly Temporary Oaths.  This Oath is a public sign of our commitment to the mission work of Christ as entrusted to Maryknoll.  It is a commitment to each other that binds us together in a mutual response to God’s Mission.  By this oath we commit ourselves to Jesus Christ, to the Catholic Church and to its duty to be messengers of God’s love, compassion and mercy throughout the world. Our seminarians and Brother candidates begin taking a temporary oath just prior to their participation in the Overseas Training Program (a 2 year internship program).  It is renewed each year afterward until ordination as priests and lifetime commitment as Brothers when each makes his Permanent Oath as a lifetime member of Maryknoll.  We have eighteen candidates in our program and this year nine have taken their temporary oath with one, Br. Candidate Jonathan Jose, taking it for the first time.  Congratulations to all!

Fall 2026

With our Fall 2026 newsletter, we welcome Brother Joe Bruener, M.M., as our new Director of Vocation Ministries. Br. Joe introduces himself and looks forward to accompanying those discerning God’s call as prospective missionary brothers and priests. As Br. Joe remarks, “I admire your courage to respond to God’s call in the face of an American culture which is trying to negate your call and even your love of Christ and your desire to offer yourselves up to Him in a formal and sacred way. I’m praying for you and hoping that Maryknoll is your forever home!”

In this issue, we also feature photos taken by one of our Maryknoll discerners, Huy Nguyễn, during a recent pilgrimage trip in which he honors those martyred in Vietnam during the 18th and 19th centuries. And, we highlight Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen whose beatification on September 24th, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri, celebrates an extraordinary 20th century U.S. Church leader, media personality, and champion of mission.

ABOUT MARYKNOLL

We are a Catholic Society of priests and brothers based in the United States. We are dedicated to missionary work in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the United States. Additionally, we animate Catholics in the United States to follow their own baptismal call to share God’s compassion and love with the poor, the sick, and all those in need.

OUR GENERAL COUNCIL

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Fr. Lance P. Nadeau, Fr. James M. Lynch, Fr. Timothy O. Kilkelly, Fr. Juan Montes Zúñiga)

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers is overseen by our General Council, led by Superior General Rev. Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.

OUR FOUNDERS

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Our Co-Founders Father Price and Father Walsh)

PLACES WE SERVE

EVANGELIZATION, PARISHES, AND PROJECTS

USA

STORIES OF MISSION

(Africa) Education and Formation of African Clergy

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Africa Region will provide tuition assistance to African clergy, male and female religious at institutes of higher education or specialized training. Read More

Stories of Our Global Mission

The calling of a lifetime

The life of a Maryknoll missioner is challenging, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Follow your baptismal call to mission by sharing God’s compassion with the poor, the sick, and people most in need.