Fr. Thomas Greene, SJ, the provincial of the Jesuits U.S. Central and Southern Province, presided at the Mass, which was concelebrated by our RJ Jesuits and Jesuits from the Denver-area apostolates as well as some of Fr. Ramirez's Jesuit friends. The liturgy featured music chosen by Fr. Ramirez and performed by Vox Lucis and the Canta Belles, our advanced choirs, under the direction of Bernie Sauer ’97, and the String Orchestra, directed by Julie Bruchs. Under the direction of Karen Wuertz, a special choir of faculty and staff sang a setting a St. Ignatius’ Suscipe prayer during the preparation of the altar.

Immediately following Mass, Fr. Eric completed his final step of the rite in a private ceremony among members of the Jesuit community, by taking five simple vows which include obedience to the provincial, continued promise of poverty and not to ambition to higher offices within the Society of Jesus and the Catholic Church. The community then celebrated the occasion with cookies in the quad where students also signed banners congratulating Padre on this milestone.

This was a rare and incredible grace to witness Fr. Ramirez's acceptance of the invitation of the Superior General of the Society of Jesus to become fully incorporated into the order. We are blessed to have Padre as part of our community and congratulate him on this momentous occasion.