It is traditional that Jesuit novices pronounce their vows on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15^th. The vow ceremony takes place within the context of Mass which, for Jesuits of the New Orleans Province, is celebrated in the chapel of St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, Louisiana. Having completed their two years of novitiate preparation, five men pronounced their first vows as Jesuits this year.

Each man vows to live as a Jesuit in poverty, chastity, and obedience.

The vow ceremony takes place at Mass immediately before the rite of communion.

Fr Mark Thibodeaux, Paul Frederick, Stephen Pitts, Frs John Armstrong & Mark Lewis
Sylvester Tan, Marcus Fryer, John Hough, Fr Billy Huete

These five men will now begin a period called "First Studies" where they will concentrate on philosophy and other courses preparing them for ministry and further studies toward ordination to the priesthood. Marcus will study at St. Louis University; Stephen and Paul will attend Loyola University in Chicago; John begins his studies at Fordham University in New York; and Sylvester will study in Toronto, Canada.