THE FINAL PROFESSION CEREMONY VIETNAM PROVINCE

On the morning of December 8^th 2023 in a sacred atmosphere of celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the joy of celebrating a 100 years of our Congregation’s presence in Vietnam, eight of our Sisters made their Final Profession. The Mass was celebrated in our Convent Chapel of the Holy Trinity, Thu Duc. Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Nang, Archbishop of Saigon, was the main celebrant assisted by many priest. The ceremony was accompanied by a wonderful choir of Aspirants, Novices and Temporary Professed sisters, adding to the joy of the occasion.  For this solemn celebration  family members of the Sisters, priests, well-wishers and the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions to witness and share in the joy of these eight Sisters.

In his sermon, the Archbishop emphasized the meaning of the feast of the Immaculate Conception, reminding all that God kept Mary pure, inviting her to carry the Son of God. Mary is full of grace, that is full of God and so she brought God to others.  In the same way, the Archbishop reminded the newly Professed Sisters that they too, are called to bring God to others, to be evangelizers, to follow the example of Mary who was full of God. Without God, it is impossible to give God to others. If your life is full of God then you can give God to others. In conclusion, he prayed that the newly professed have the courage to follow the example of Mary, to be full of God, to seek God each day.

During the ceremony, Sr. Maria Ly Bich Quyen, Province Leader, in the name of the Congregational Leader, Sr. Josephine Kane, missioned the newly Professed Sisters to Laos, France, Canada and in Vietnam to Da Lat, Nha Trang, Xuan Loc and Long Xuyen.

At the end of Mass the Archbishop solemnly blessed the Congregation and granted a Plenary Indulgence to mark the celebrations of the 100 year presence of the Congregation in Vietnam.

We thank God for having called there newly Professed to the service of love and given them the courage to respond: “Here I am Lord.” We also offer thanks to their parents for their support in enabling their daughters to follow God’s invitation.

Sr Tuyet Mai- RNDM