Alec Hufford, SJ (left), and Angelo Jesus Canta, SJ (right), of the USA East Province, professed their First Vows on August 13, 2022 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Syracuse, NY.
Their journey began two years ago, after much discernment and prayer, when they entered the Jesuit novitiate. Through this foundational time of formation, they have learned the joys and challenges of religious life, new ways of praying, and becoming more accustomed to seeing the world the way St. Ignatius invites us. Prayer, study, and apostolic service helped them build a stronger relationship with Jesus—a companionship—that has empowered each of them through grace and courage to kneel before the Eucharist and pronounce perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. With silver crosses in their hands and the official “SJ” after their names, they now embark on the rest of their formation as brothers in Christ, companions in the Society of Jesus.