By Judy Alvarez, Salesian Cooperator
(Laredo, Texas) – To kneel in prayer is a humble posture of surrender before God. On Saturday, August 9, 2025, a church kneeler was placed near the first pew in the nave of San Luis Rey Church in Laredo, Texas. Many parishioners were gathering to celebrate the Saturday Vigil Mass and the Perpetual Profession of Br. Leo Imbert as a Salesian of Don Bosco. Among them were young people from the parish youth ministry with whom Br. Leo had served for three summers, their families, parish leaders, Salesian sisters, and the other members of the Salesian family who came to witness Br. Leo’s final profession.
In the first pew, Br. Leo humbly sat waiting to celebrate this important milestone in his life. After seven years of formation, practical training, and temporary professions, he was prepared. He was ready to consecrate his life as a sign and bearer of God’s love for the young in the Salesian Society of Don Bosco.
The pastor of San Luis Rey Church, Fr. Luis Oyarzo, was the principal celebrant at the Eucharistic celebration because Fr. Mel Trinidad, provincial, was unable to attend due to a canceled plane flight. Hence, Fr. Luis also took Fr. Mel’s place as the delegate of the Rector Major in receiving Br. Leo’s final profession. Con-celebrant, Fr. Ramon Zarate, SDB, facilitated the profession ceremony in English. Fr. Jobeth Vivo, SDB, currently residing at San Luis Rey, was also present as a witness and con-celebrant. Their Salesian warmth and joy were evident as they welcomed Br. Leo’s final commitment to their Salesian life and mission.
After the Eucharistic celebration and profession, Fr. Luis invited the parish community to join in a dinner reception for Br. Leo, prepared by ADMA members of the parish. On the way to the parish hall, a mother offered Br. Leo thanks for all the good he had done for her son and the youth of the parish, saying, “They have learned a lot from you.” Youth appreciation was also evident in the entertainment offered by young people during the reception.
Br. Leo expressed deep gratitude for the entire community that welcomed his vows as a Salesian family. Notably, a large group of Salesian sisters was present, some traveling 2.5 hours from San Antonio, and others coming from the Mary Help of Christians School in Laredo, led by Sr. Rosann Ruiz, FMA. The sisters’ attendance was the fruit of friendship cultivated when Br. Leo would drop by for visits at the FMA Provincial House, while on the way to his summer assignments at San Luis Rey. Salesian Cooperators, Michael and Judy Alvarez, were also present as long-time friends of Br. Leo.
In September, Br. Leo will return to his theological studies at the Salesian Pontifical University in Jerusalem. God willing, he will be ordained a deacon next year and a priest the following year. Let us continue to pray for his vocation and for all those in formation to be a Salesian of Don Bosco.
