"Launch into deeper waters"
The precious gift of the vocation to Consecrated Religious Life, the YES and the following of the example of Mary and Joseph, was celebrated with joy and faith on February 15, 2020 in Vacaria in southern Brazil. The novices Eunice Cordeiro de Souza, Lenimar Ramalho de Souza and Maria dos Santos Durães responding to the call of Jesus made their First Profession to Religious life in the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery. In the same celebration, postulant Lucidalva da Silva entered the novitiate. Sr. Katia Rejane Sassi, Provincial Superior of Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery welcomed the newly professed sisters and the Novice on behalf of the Congregation.
The ceremony was presided over by the Bishop of Vacaria Diocese Sílvio Guterres Dutra and concelebrated by bishop emeritus Frei Osório Bebber and the invited priests. Several Sisters of St. Joseph, sisters of other congregations, as well as family members of the novice Eunice participated in the ceremony.
During the homily, Bishop Sílvio highlighted the value of “the treasure found”. According to him, “Consecrated Religious Life, following Jesus Christ, has value for what we find in it, not for the things we leave behind. When what we find has more meaning, more value, it fills our being and impels us to serve the Kingdom of God with freedom and gratitude and we know that we are on the right path” he said.
Sr. Katia, at the end of the celebration proposed vote of thanks and addressed the new Sisters and the novice saying: “You are courageous women, you let yourself be touched by the grace of God, you overcame prejudices and made us to rethink and open ourselves to a new reality of Spirit. Following Jesus is not a decision made once and for all. It is a daily option.” Quoting Pope Francis, she made an appeal: “The giving of life to God must be a joyful testimony. So, give witness to others of your joy of feeling loved by God!” And in saying that, he sent the newly professed Sisters to their new communities.
Joy, friendship, simplicity, living together and a spirit of unity were some of the feelings experienced during this beautiful celebration that ended with the song “Sisters, Let’s go out with joy and a new fervour, to live our charism together, to emerge and to grow”.
Sr. Eliana Aparecida dos Santos
