Brother John of the Cross to Make Solemn Profession on Feast of St. Ignatius

(Photo provided)

This year, the Feast of St. Ignatius will be marked with special solemnity at St. Ignatius Parish in Denver, where Brother John of the Cross of the Congregation of St. John will make his final profession of vows. The joy-filled day will include a celebratory Mass, a public reception and solemn Vespers featuring sacred music.

The Mass of Solemn Profession will take place on Thursday, July 31 at 2 p.m. at St. Ignatius Parish in Denver. A reception will follow.

Later that evening, the celebration will continue with Solemn Polyphonic Vespers at 6 p.m., featuring sacred music provided by Gaudium Verum, including a special setting of Iste Confessor composed in honor of St. Ignatius by David Hughes.

The entire community is warmly invited to witness this profound moment of lifelong commitment to Christ and to join in prayer and thanksgiving.

“Jesus be praised! I am so blessed to be able to pronounce my final vows in the company of my family, friends and religious brothers,” said Brother John of the Cross. “It has been a long journey up to this point, but the Lord never gave up on me, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life letting him surprise me with his graces and mercies. Please pray for me, that I might be faithful to my call, through the intercession of St. John the Apostle, St. John of the Cross and Our Lady of the Annunciation.”

What Is a Solemn Profession?

A solemn profession — also known as final vows — is the definitive commitment a religious makes to live the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience within their community for life. It is both a radical gift of self to God and a public witness to the Gospel.

Brother John of the Cross, whose name reflects the deep spirituality of the saint and mystic St. John of the Cross, is a member of the Congregation of St. John, an ecclesial family of consecrated men and women founded in France. The brothers combine a life of contemplation with apostolic service, rooted in the tradition of St. John the Evangelist.

Feast and Celebration

The fact that this solemn profession will take place on the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola adds a layer of spiritual richness to the event. Known for his deep commitment to discernment and radical discipleship, St. Ignatius is a powerful patron for anyone seeking to abandon their life entirely to God’s will.

Brother John’s journey to final vows is a witness to the quiet, faithful work of grace over time. His “yes” on the Feast of St. Ignatius is more than a milestone — it is a reminder that Christ still calls, still invites and still forms hearts willing to give everything.

All are encouraged to come witness this sacred and joyful moment, an expression of lifelong fidelity and hope in a world that so often forgets such things. Whether through prayer, song or presence, the entire community is welcome to share in this celebration of consecrated life.

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Event Details

Thursday, July 31, 2025

St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish

2301 York St., Denver, CO

• Mass of Solemn Profession | 2:00 p.m.

  Reception to follow. RSVP at tinyurl.com/StIgnatiusFeast2025 or call 303-322-8042.

• Solemn Polyphonic Vespers | 6:00 p.m.

  Music provided by Gaudium Verum.

For more information, email family@loyoladenver.org.