San Antonio (United States of America). On 5 August 2023 in San Antonio, Texas, Mary Immaculate Province (SUO) celebrated two First Professions and two Perpetual Professions in the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
On the eve of their professions, the FMA, family members, and friends of the candidate Sisters prepared together for these events of grace with Eucharistic adoration. The hour was spent singing praises to Jesus in the Eucharist and thanking Him for the gift of being reunited as a Salesian Family in the joy of these celebrations. After the blessing, the guests had the opportunity to meet with each other and with the Sisters.
On the morning of August 5, the two newly professed walked down the nave of the parish church of St. Pius X of San Antonio in procession with their parents, beaming with joy in their new religious habit. The Celebration was presided over by Msgr. Liam Cary, Bishop of the Diocese of Baker in Oregon. The Provincial, Sister Rosann Ruiz, on behalf of the Mother General of the FMA Institute, received the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience made by the two sisters. At the end of the Holy Mass, the feast continued with a time of conviviality.
In the afternoon, in the Sacred Heart Chapel of the OLLU University – Our Lady of the Lake, Sister Melissa Benitez and Sister Quynh Pham made their perpetual vows. The Celebration was attended by relatives, friends, and many Daughters of Mary Help of Christians who joined in the joy of the two candidates’ total and definitive yes to the Lord. During the homily, Msgr. Liam Cary reminded the professed women that, prostrating themselves before the Lord in this “yes forever”, they become a bridge for others to reach Christ. After the Celebration, all friends and guests participated in the festivities.
These celebrations were a source of great joy, hope, and peace for all the participants, making visible how the Lord fills us with His gifts when His call is answered with an unreserved “yes”.
