5 Sisters make their vows in Burundi
A day unlike others, a memorable day of joy and celebration for the Daughters
of Mary and Joseph in Burundi, Saturday, October 4th, 2014 the Daughters of
Mary and Joseph in Burundi rejoiced because of five sisters who made their
religious vows. Three of them Theresa, Jacqueline and Goreth made their first
vows while two: Alice
and
Eleonore,
were
making their final vows.
(Goreth, Jacqueline and
Therese)
(Alice and Eleonore)
The celebrations began with the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by
Bishop Stanislaus Kaburungu, the Bishop Emeritus of Ngozi Diocese.
In his homily he emphasized two points. The first was based on the Gospel of
the day taken from St. Matthew 14: 22-36; the Bishop reminded us that in life
there are always storms and it is in prayer and trust in God that the religious
find the strength to overcome and go on. The other point was about the
mystery of religious life. He gave an example of a girl growing up observing her
mother carrying a baby and imitating her by carrying a flower of a banana.
When she grows up; Instead of getting married to have her own child, she joins
religious life, saying: “This Jesus, whom I have never seen but who loved up to
shedding his blood for me, I will follow and devote my life to Him”. This shows
that consecrated life is a mystery and the One who calls us is stronger.
After Mass, guests and family members of those who had made their profession
met to share a meal; it was also the time for speeches. In his speech, the
Bishop reminded us that in three years we will celebrate two hundred years of
existence as a congregation and he expressed the desire to see this anniversary
celebrated in Burundi. During her speech, the Congregational Leader saw in
this celebration, signs of the presence of the Holy Spirit which is characterized
by the presence of newness, unity and a sense of mission. The profession of
our five sisters shows new life for themselves and for the Congregation. The
unity was seen in the presence of guests who had come from various dioceses
and even outside the country. Finally the Holy Spirit sends us on mission as
the apostles who had the courage to proclaim the Good News after Pentecost.
(Sr
Helen
Lane
and
Bishop
Kaburungu share a traditional drink)
(Sr. Pat Pearson, (provincial) The
newly professed, Sr. Helen and the
Bishop cut the cake together)