In a ceremony steeped with tradition and symbols, Giraudel native Elton Letang C.Ss.R, professed the perpetual vows of chastity, obedience and poverty as a member of the religious order known at the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer or Redemptorist.
The ceremony took place at Our Lady of Fatima church in Newtown on Tuesday evening.
It was the culmination of one part of the religious journey for the 37-year-old Letang who always had the desire to become a priest in the Roman Catholic Church.
“I’ve always had the desire to become a priest, but I didn’t act on it until I got into a major traffic accident in 2002 that made me take the leap of faith,” Letang said.
He told Dominica News Online that the life-changing accident took place on what is locally called the Castle Bruce Stretch where he broke his spine in two places.
“Lying on a hospital bed for three months gave me lots of time to think, to reflect on my life,” he said. “That changed everything.”
Choosing the Redemptorist Order was an easy one for him since he grew up in one of their parishes and the retreat house in Giraudel, run by the Redemptorists, “is just five minutes from where I live.”
Delivering the homily at the mass, Rev. Denis Sweeny, from the US, said Letang was making the choice to love God’s people for the rest of his life.
“Simply put, you make the choice today and for the rest of your life not to love one, but to love all,” he stated. “And you say I will as much as I am able, be present to the people of God so that I can walk with them in their joys and suffering, in their laughter and their tears, in their celebrations and in their grieving moments.”
Letang will be leaving Dominica next month to begin ministry in Trinidad. He will be ordained a deacon in October and a priest in early 2013.
The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer was founded in 1749 by Alphonsus Ligouri in Scala, Italy to serve the poor and the most abandoned. Today the order is serving in 77 countries around the world.
Congratulations, Elton! I am proud of you! God bless and keep you.
Correction on some typing error’s I must say to you my dear friend ,i always knew you had it in you from the days in the choir . i pray that the lord will continue to guide you through this journey, well done you have made your family proud. So congrats and god bless.
I must say to you my dear friend ,i always knew you had it in you from the days in the choir . i opray that the lord continue to guide through this journey, well done you have made your family proud. So congrats and god bless.
It takes ignorant people like you to make stupid comments. What does his father have to do with this story. Your idle hands have cause you to do the work of the devil and that explains why some of you will reach no where in life. Why are we so quick to bring out the negative when someone does good with the life. Maybe you are jealous he did not end up like his father. Elton all you can do is pray for these evil, wicked and small minded people. They did worst to Jesus, what do you expect. You will encounter a lot of evil, jealousy and ignorant people in life, but as long as you keep you faith and be true to yourself no man can do you harm.
wow congrads sometimes it take life changing events to get us on the right path keep up the good work
Very happy for my former teacher. May God Bless you always and keep you ever faithful on your journey of service and love. Will be praying for you always.
Chastity!!! Really??? Ya right!!!
@Jaad what a wonder your comment wasn’t deleted. Admin must be asleep at the wheel. LET’S SAY IT AGAIN – CHASTITY?????????? REALLY????? HYPOCRITE!
The report spoke to his LIFE CHANGING experience.
“Jesus came to save that which were lost” –
Elton, congratulations. God has a way of making us see the light. This was his way of showing you that He wants you in his vineyard. You have answered The Call. God always has his way. May He surround you with his love and protection.
May Our Dear Blessed Lady, The Ever Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of all mothers cover you with her mantle of love and protection as she prays for you and all others, ‘The Priests, Our Lady’s Beloved Sons’ (a book) to stand steadfast in your chosen Calling to serve God and His people.
One day, if the Good Lord wills, I hope I will be fortunate to attend one of your Holy Masses, to hear your Homily and to receive your blessing.
God bless you!
I wonder if really he knows what is he doing.
congratulations to my former teaching collegue. the ceremony was great. I know how it is when God speaks to us through near death experiences and so i know that this is your way of thanking him all the days of your life. And i know you are genuine. your former staff members are praying for u. we love u
congrates letang. you are doing it for the lord. i do hope that after your priest hood, you are placed here in dominica. from a proud catholic
WOW! Elton- satan mad. He chimeying.
The Mars Rover just landed on another freaking planet, and THIS is news? Sad.
Congratulation Mr. Letang. I’am happy you got God’s calling embrace it and thats great you accep
ted it. All the best and God’s blessings to you.
congratulations Elton!!!
One step closer to being a priest! This was always your dream!
Please continue to take this seriously and be the best priest that you can!
May God continue to Bless you and keep you holy!
I pray that more young men will emulate you.
i usually worship at Our lady of Fatima , but i must say the mass for Elton letang C.S.s.R was heavenly and the choir hearts of to you, all the best on your journey to the priesthood, i will be there come 2013 to celebrate with you….congrats to you and your family.
@ Proud Catholic and
Fatima Worshiper
I can see the enemies of the Catholic Church, no exception the enemies of God as they depict, spurred on by Satan, the enemy of God, of our Church and our souls are busy at work, giving you thumbs down. Well, in this age of the great apostasy, those who have renounced their Catholic faith and joined other so-called churches and fallen away ones including agnostics and atheists as well, it is to be expected of them.
Our Lord Jesus Christ who founded His One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, said: “Be not afraid! Fear not for I am with you always even unto the consummation of the world!
He also said, “You will be persecuted for My Name/Sake.” We, genuine Catholics are aware of it. At the end of time it will be revealed to all souls, those who have renounced their Catholic faith and those who have denied Our Lord Jesus Christ how wrong they were. In the meantime, we must apply patience as we pray to God and as He expects of us. God is the winner to the end, forever and ever. The Catholic Church on earth is already the winner but this will be revealed to all nations and people/souls, the deniers and doubters/skeptics, at the end of time.
Praise be to The Blessed Trinity for choosing us as Catholics, genuine practicing ones who continue to worship in faith, hope and trust. We are doing the correct thing and exercising our rights and duties to God as He has ordained.
Unto Thee O God, do we lift up our soul…Oh my God, we trust in Thee. Let us not be ashamed. Let not our enemies triumph over us. Amen!
We all are so proud to hear a young man , a devoted person is doing so well in Jesus
all we wish you Elton is to keep walking in THE Lord footsteps while continuing your Journey
And we the Haitian Community we are praying very hard for Brother Jacky so that one day he will be what and who he is really want to be in his future endeavour
Love you and God bless you and the rest of your family and friens
@ Haiti all the way
The above writing also applies to you and all others who offer congratulations to Elton Letang. Continue standing up for God, for your Church, your faith and offering encouragement to fellow Catholics, knowing that you are on the right track. God knows, sees and hears all things. God bless all of you!
Ok Admin – keep filtering the truth!
@ Fed-Up
??????????????????????????????????????????????????
You have reasons to be fed-up.
You are so correct – I do have reasons to be fed up. Like another individual wrote – chastity – yeah right. Hyprocisy at its finest. Welcome to the Catholic Church!!! Let’s see if this gets posted!
Congrats teach
When 2013 gets here and you’re a full fledged priest just let me know where you’ll be preaching mass and I’ll be there.
Congrats my friends keep walking in the way of the Lord ………it seems like my son is following brakes and Elton’s foot step he is an alter boy for now and i am not even a catholic
CONGRTULATIONS!!!!!!!
It is always heart warming when a young person do positive thing for themself. We know what is out there and you chose God.
May our heavenly father continue to guide you in your ministry.
We are living in the last days, the days of Lot, it’s time to serve God, love Him with all our heart, soul, body and might. Now is not the time for living in sin. Jesus is coming for a saved and holy church, now is not the time to play around with christianity, either you in Jesus or you’re not, either you are a tares or wheat Matthew chapter 13. Should we continue in sin that God’s grace should be abound, God forbid Repent people and serve God not the devil.
@ Trust
Now where does your tirade come in, in this article? What do you know about Christianity? Some of you profess to know but your statements and no doubt your words do not reflect it. Due to our instinct, some of us can read between the lines of your lack of sincerity, Are you genuinely serving God? Speak for yourself.
congrats sir! some satanist thumbs down the previous comments,, they can do mine if they want.;
LOL, “satanists!” Boy, you is a real Dominican for real. No other reason someone would thumbs down your comment, eh, except for being a satanist? lolol
Elton, congrats are in order. Both Ez and myself are just soo happy for you. God keep and bless you always.
HMMMMM……
CONGRATULATIONS ELTON, May the LORD guide your steps that you continue to walk in His path…
GOD BLESS YOU!!
God bless sir Letang.
i hope they put u in d/ca so you can help fix up the church
@ hhmm
You fix up your body and soul and also that of your household. Pay attention to yourself and your soul and clean them up.
Preach it @Justice and Truth! I like that!
Congratulations – amy God continue to bless and guide you on your journey.
Congratualtions Elton! How I wish I could have been there to witness this milestone in your journey. Remain focus, remain committed and remain humble. May God continue to bless you and your family as you devote your days to working in his vineyard. Much love
Thank God for this young man.
Many more should turn to God in these circumstances.
The church will embrace you.
You will be taken care of by the mercy of God.
we waiting on you
congrats Mr. letang…
That is great news Elton
That is great news for Elton, your family, Dominica and the Catholic Church.
May God Bless You and Dominica
To you my brother, congratulations. We are so proud of you and I am sorry that I was not able to attend. God has called on you and you listened, may he guide you as you continue your journey with him. We love you and wish you the very best.
To you my brother, congratulation. We are so proud of you and I am sorry that I was not able to attend. God has called on you and you listened, may he guide you as you continue your journey with him. We love you and wish you the very best.
Congrats Elton!
God bless you. Keep the faith.
Congratulations My boy. Wish you all the best. Have known you for a while now since we went to school together and worked together. I am confident that you will make it.
Congrats my dear friend! Keep pressing on…
Congrats and God’s infinite blessings as you continue this beautiful journey.
God is dead.