Just one day after my first profession, I’m still coming to terms with everything I experienced—formally giving that response to God. I was always aware that this moment would signify my consecration to the Spirit and to the heart of our Mother, something I’ve grown more conscious of throughout this past year of novitiate. It has been a truly special year, and I’m deeply grateful to the Congregation for allowing me to live it.
Looking back, I’m amazed at how much I’ve grown, both personally and in my missionary calling. The word mission is forever etched on my heart. That’s something Antonio Sanjuan taught me—someone who was very much in my thoughts during my profession. I’ll never forget the day he caught my attention during Mass in Almendralejo and introduced me to the Claretians.
A year is a long time, and many things can happen. Without a doubt, I’ve felt that “shaping” in the forge of Mary’s Heart, especially through the figure of Claret. I’ve come to know Claret in a deeply meaningful way, thanks to my formators and the workshops we were offered during the novitiate. I’ve found his life and mission utterly fascinating. I knew this would be a unique year, and I made every effort to live it to the fullest—not just passing through the novitiate, but letting the novitiate pass through me. I’m absolutely certain that this is what happened.
I also take with me the support and unconditional love of my community brothers, among whom I’ve found lifelong friends, as well as the warmth of the wonderfully kind people of Argentina, who welcomed us into their homes and pastoral activities with such open arms. And that’s the beauty of mission—people. Looking into their eyes and speaking with them while praying silently to God.
I return with a renewed commitment to continue growing and transforming, asking God for the grace to keep knowing Him, loving Him, serving Him, and praising Him—and to help others do the same.
Córdoba, Argentina, 7 January 2025
Javi Campos, CMF
