In an atmosphere of deep joy and gratitude, the community gathered on a festive evening to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Religious Consecrated Life of Sister Eliana Aparecida dos Santos, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambéry. The celebration took place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, the place where the jubilarian’s vocation was born.
The moment was filled with emotion, praise, and thanksgiving, recognizing the fruits of a vocational journey sustained by God’s fidelity and love.
During the liturgy, the reflection highlighted that true praise springs from a humble heart, like that of the publican, and that humility is what marks Sister Eliana’s journey—a life shaped by gentleness, trust, and service.
In her words of gratitude, Sister Eliana expressed how these 25 years of consecration have been a gift and grace:
“These have been 25 years of surrender, of joys and challenges, of cross and resurrection. At every step, I could hear the Lord’s voice saying: ‘Do not be afraid… I am with you.’ All that I am and all that I have lived is grace, is gift, is mercy.”
She tenderly remembered her family—her “first cradle of faith and love”—and especially her mother, Mrs. Sônia, who passed away four months ago:
“She was—and continues to be—my pillar of faith and love for God. With her simple and generous example, she taught me to pray, to love the Church, and to serve without counting the cost. Today, Mother, I know heaven rejoices, and you rejoice with me. This celebration is yours too.”
During the celebration, Sister Eliana expressed deep gratitude to the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambéry, the Province of Brazil, the sisters of the Dourados community, the Provincial Council, Sister Rozângela, Sister Vilma, and the missionary sisters from Bolivia who joined the jubilee celebration.
“Throughout these years, the Congregation has been my home, my school, and my family. With you, I have learned that unity and communion are the true paths to God.”
The jubilarian also recalled, with emotion, the beginnings of her vocation, born in the heart of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, among catechism classes, youth groups, and family prayers:
“It was on this sacred ground, among simple and prayerful people, that the Lord called me. I saw the witness of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and prayed, ‘Lord, I want to be like them.’ Today I return here, 25 years later, to say: Thank you, Lord, for trusting me.”
The celebration was attended by Fathers Henrique and Adilson, religious men and women from other congregations, family members, friends, and parish communities—all united in prayer and joy for the gift of vocation.
With a heart full of emotion, Sister Eliana extended her gratitude to her family, who, even while mourning their mother’s passing, devoted themselves wholeheartedly to preparing the celebration:
“None of this would have been possible without you. I thank God for our unity. I love you deeply.”
At the end, the jubilarian shared the joy of her journey with her companion in mission, Sister Cleonice da Cruz Yoshizawa, who also celebrates her Silver Jubilee:
“Dear Sister Cleo, the journey has not been easy, but it has been blessed. The Lord has guided us, strengthened us, and made our vocation flourish.”
In an atmosphere of faith and deep emotion, the celebration concluded with a heartfelt song of praise:
“May God be praised! To Him be all honor, all glory, and all love, forever and ever. Amen.”
Sister Vilma de Oliveira and Sister Eliana Aparecida dos Santos
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