Vestition Ceremony at Divyadaan

by Cl Jashbir Sanga

The community of Divyadaan celebrated the Vestition of two of the newly professed clerics on 27th June 2025, together with the solemnity of Sacred Heart of Jesus. The clerics were Sahil Tirkey and Sulsant Toppo, belonging to the province of Jesus the Good Shepherd, New Delhi.

The celebration began with the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Robert Pen, the rector of the community. He reminded the community about the significance of the solemnity and vestition. The solemnity presents the unconditional love that God has for humanity. The Cross and thorns on the heart of Jesus represent the suffering that he underwent for us. He also said that the Vestition is a reminder that putting on a cassock implies three basic things: a commitment to follow Christ, it gives identity to the candidate in priestly formation, as a disciple of Christ dedicated to service and prayer, and implies detachment from the material world and a focus on spiritual matters.

In the homily, the Fr Robert shared the reflection of Pope Francis, from the encyclical “Dilexit nos” (He loved us so much). Just like Jesus the Good Shepherd, we must seek out the lost, include them in our lives and rejoice in their company.

The event was marked with joy and a festive atmosphere in the community. It was fortunate that the parents of Cl. Sulshant were present to pray, celebrate and witness the vestition of their son. Their presence was a concrete reminder to everyone that their own families support and encourage them in their vocational journey.