Four Brothers from the Antilles-Southern Mexico District take their Final Vows

The Antillas-Mexico Sur District is today a diverse entity comprising southern Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba. It is a community in which different cultures, languages (Spanish, French and Creole) and traditions come together in a single, overarching commitment to providing a human and Christian education to the most vulnerable children and young people. The solemn profession of perpetual vows represents a pivotal moment in this history: a sign of a long-standing mission that continues to be renewed over time.

This August, four young Brothers are ready to give their definitive ‘yes’ by celebrating their perpetual vows: Brothers Emmanuel Pérez León, Enmanuel Figuereo Encarnación, Jymsly Dorvilus, Micael De La Rosa Leonardo. On the 8^th, Emmanuel Pérez León; on the 15^th, Jymsly Dorvilus; and on the 22^nd, Enmanuel Figuereo Encarnación and Micael De La Rosa Leonardo.

Micael De La Rosa Leonardo and Enmanuel Figuereo Encarnación, who grew up within the Dominican community at the Escuela Simón Bolívar, have managed to transform their doubts and personal wounds into a unique sensitivity towards the youngest members of society; whilst Emmanuel Pérez León, who came of age within the Mexican community at the Universidad De La Salle Bajío, has chosen to overturn traditional ways of life to place service to the most vulnerable at the centre of his daily life. Jymsly Dorvilus, originally from Haiti, brings with him the richness of a varied and profound educational journey that has seen him move between academic reflection and active engagement in various Haitian communities.

Each comes from a different background, but all share the same conviction: consecration is not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a daily gift.

Brother Micael first came into contact with the Brothers through the Youth Ministry at the San Juan Bautista De La Salle High School (Simón Bolívar) and developed his vocation by working alongside the youngest children in catechesis and social service at the Escuela San Pablo.

A key part of his journey was reflecting on his own personal history: the pain of his parents’ separation became a lesson in maturity, compassion and empathy towards those who suffer. After eight years of temporary vows, he now belongs to the Ejido Santiago Community. “Perpetual vows are not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a more conscious, free and definitive self-giving. They are my loving response to the One who called me first.”

During his sixth-form years at Universidad De La Salle Bajío (Juan Alonso de Torres Campus), Brother Emmanuel Pérez León was seeking a life different from traditional models, guided by a desire to place service at the centre of his existence. His encounter with the witness of Brother Pedro Álvarez Arenas opened this path for him.

His vocation took shape through his contact with those on the margins of society – from migrants to people in need – as he discovered the face of Christ in daily sharing. After seven years of temporary vows, he is now part of the La Salle Ayahualulco community. “Public profession is a powerful moment, but what really matters is choosing this path every day, faithfully, in the simplest and most ordinary things.”

Brother Enmanuel Figuereo Encarnación grew up in a devout family; Enmanuel discovered the appeal of the Lasallian Mission whilst attending the Escuela Simón Bolívar. Overcoming his initial hesitations through open and fraternal dialogue with Brother Juan Carlos, he realised that religious life is not an unattainable ideal, but a tangible and concrete reality.

His early experiences in education confirmed to him that young people are not looking for perfect teachers, but for adults capable of listening to them and restoring their dignity. After eight years of temporary vows, he now lives in the La Salle Simón Bolívar community. “Arriving here does not mean the journey is over: it is confirmation that I want to continue walking. I have found a life rich in meaning, lived alongside others and for those most in need.”

Brother Jymsly Dorvilus was born on Tortuga Island (Haiti) and began his postulancy in 2014, continuing his formation between Haiti and Mexico, where he completed his novitiate and took his first vows in 2018. Combining his university studies in Humanities with pastoral ministry, he dedicated his efforts to various Haitian communities (Port-au-Prince, Cazeau, Fatima and Saint Joseph), gaining profound and varied experience in the field of education. In preparation for his final commitment, he undertook his spiritual preparation at the community in Cazeau.

To Micael, Emmanuel, Enmanuel and Jymsly go the warmest wishes of the entire Lasallian community, along with our affection and our prayers for this very important step!

“Vows do not change one’s life in a single day: the most important thing is to continue choosing this path every morning, in the ordinary course of life,” says Brother Emmanuel.

* This article was produced with the support of the Antillas-Mexico Sur District.