Maryknoll Society Ordination & Oath (2019)
Br. Ryan Thibert receives his mission crosses from Fr. Raymond Finch, Superior General
Brother Ryan Thibert took his final oath on May 31, 2019. The Mass was celebrated by Father Raymond Finch, Maryknoll Society Superior General.
The celebrations took place at the Maryknoll Society Center in Ossining, New York.
Brother Ryan received their missionary crucifixes at the Maryknoll Sending Ceremony that presents new priests and brothers to the world as Maryknoll missioners.
Meet Br. Ryan Thibert
Brother Ryan Thibert acknowledges that he felt an attraction to religious life growing up in a strong Catholic family. He sought direction from his parish priest, who knew Maryknoll and thought it might be a good fit for his mission-oriented parishioner.
Brother Ryan Thibert is a native of Ontario, Canada. He was born a minute after his twin brother, Aaron, and four years after their sister, Jennifer. He credits his parents, Larry and Rox-Ann Thibert, for his love of service because of their unconditional love.
Having met Society members like Brother Robert Butsch has helped Ryan. He says it is by witnessing how passionate they are about their work and seeing how the Holy Spirit seem to work through them inspired him. He became aware that he can use his own educational background and artistic talent to help people be the best they can be.
“I realize that it is in living for others through Christ where I feel truly happy and at peace.” ~ Brother Ryan Thibert, M.M.
A short-term mission trip to Jamaica with three other prospective Maryknoll candidates sealed his decision. Working at the Blessed Sacrament Orphanage in Montego Bay, and remembering the Franciscan brother who had come to console his family when his grandfather died made him realize that being present, giving life to those who need love is the essence of the brother’s vocation. That is what he felt the Holy Spirit was calling him to do. So in 2011, he decided to join the Maryknoll Brothers’ formation program.
He completed his undergraduate degree in art at St. Xavier University in Chicago all the while deepening his spirituality through prayer and theological studies.
He underwent his overseas training program in Cochabamba, Bolivia, where young missioners are immersed in language study and life in another culture as well as various pastoral works as they continue to discern their call to cross-cultural mission. He will return to Latin America where he has been assigned to work in mission.
Brother Ryan Thibert with Father Juan Zuñiga (left) and Brother Mark Gruenke (right)
