For me it was celebrated May 7th, 1961. This day is also the anniversary of my definitive incorporation as a Missionary of the Precious Blood. The anniversary we observe is generally the day we make our first incorporation (profession). (just a hint: that anniversary is tomorrow).
For those of you who have never heard of a Society of Apostolic Life, that is what we are as Missionaries of the Precious Blood. We do not make a profession of the three vows as Religious do even though the Evangelical Counsels are included in the one act of Incorporation. We make a promise of fidelity to the Bond of Charity and by that act are incorporated into the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. So, Religious celebrate the anniversary of their profession and Missionaries of the Precious Blood celebrate the anniversary of their Incorporation. Sometimes we use the term profession just so people have a sense of what we are talking about. Incorporation sometimes sounds like we are starting a business, but our Incorporation is something very different. We look on it as a fulfillment and completion of our Baptism.
What did you just say? What is a promise of fidelity to the Bond of Charity? How does that really differ from the profession of a Religious? Please pardon my questions. I really don't understand some of the Catholic jargon.
Profession of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience: The is a vow made to God.
Profession of Fidelity to the Bond of Charity: This is just the phrase we use, but the effect is that it binds us to another person, much like a marriage, but in this case to a community.
In St. Gaspar's mind, he did not want the vows, which in that day would have bound us to a particular house. He figured that if the Bond of Charity could not hold us together, no vow could.
Thanks for the help.
Laura