Bro John renews his temporary vows for another year

"Do not grant newcomers to the monastic life an easy entry, but, as the Apostle says, Test the spirits to see if they are from God (1 John 4:1).

"Let him who is received promise in the oratory, in the presence of all, before God and His saints,
stability, the conversion of morals, and obedience, in order that, if he should ever do otherwise, he
may know that he will be condemned by God "Whom he mocketh." Let him make a written statement
of his promise in the name of the saints whose relics are there, and of the Abbot there present. Let
him write this document with his own hand; or at least, if he doth not know how to write, let another
write it at his request, and let the novice make his mark, and with his own hand place it on the altar."

Bro John is a juniormonk of my community in New Mexico but he opted to transfer at Saint Meinrad ArchAbbey here in Indiana where I am temporarily staying while taking my master's degree in Philosophy and Theology for my priesthood ordination.

Today, the feast of the presentation of Jesus in the temple, bro John renews his temporary vows for my community for his last year in simple vows. Abbot Justin Duvall, the ArchAbbot of St Meinrad ArchAbbey signed his certificate renewing his vows for the last year. Photos below show a simple yet symbolic and meaningful renewal of bro John's temporary vows.