Michael Gokie Made His Full Apostolic Availability Commitment in Philadelphia
This past Sunday, September 29th, at St. Agatha-St. James Church in Philadelphia, our brother Michael Gokie made his Full Apostolic Availability (FAA) commitment during an emotional Mass presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, Mons. Keith Chylinski. The occasion brought together family, friends, sodalits, and the faithful in a celebration filled with faith and gratitude.
Michael Gokie with Mons. Keith Chylinski, concelebrating priests, acolytes, and sodalits, after the Mass.
The ceremony was a moment of deep reflection and spiritual joy. Michael was accompanied by his parents, Jeffery and Catherine Gokie, his siblings David and Jennifer, and his cousin Taylor, who supported him in this important step.
Among those present were members of our community, including Patrick Travers, Superior of the Philadelphia community, and other sodalits, such as José Antonio Dávila, General Assistant for Temporal Affairs, and Jorge Luna, Regional Superior of Peru.
The Full Apostolic Availability Commitment
It is important to remember that this moment marks a profound vocational maturity in the life of the sodalit, who definitively bonds with the community. This step not only implies total dedication to God and his brothers but also the reception of a specific mission assigned by the major superior.
Michael Gokie making his Full Apostolic Availability Commitment in the Sodalitium.
From this perpetual commitment onwards, the brother dedicates himself to continuous formation, understanding his life as a permanent apostolate, in which every action and decision is oriented toward service and growth in faith.
Love is a Free Gift
“During the Mass, I asked myself, what have I done to deserve so much support from so many people? The truth is, I did nothing. In Christian life, love is not something one deserves; it is a free gift”, Michael shared with us.
Mons. Keith Chylinski, Michael Gokie, and his parents after the Mass.
At the end of the Eucharist, attendees gathered for a dinner where they shared words of gratitude for Michael. The sodalit community joyfully celebrated his commitment, fully aware of the value and dedication this step entails on his path of faith.
Finally, Michael, who does university apostolate at The University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, left a special message for young people considering following Christ: “Let your heart be filled with the joy of Christ, and He will take you on an incredible adventure”.
Michael at the celebration dinner.