The beginning of a vowed life journey: Sr. Mary Faith recently made her first vows. On this day she freely proclaimed to live a life of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience.
After two years of discernment in the novitiate Sr. Faith asked to be admitted for first profession in the congregation of the Servants of the Holy Childhood of Jesus. Her application was accepted. Right after she began her preparation with daily meditations and chose the readings and hymns for her big day. Also, she attended a very uplifting and powerful eight days at the Bluff, a retreat house close to the sea.
The celebration took place at St. Benedict’s Cathedral of Eshowe. The Church was beautifully decorated with flowers. Music was led by the Mbongolwane and Eshowe choir thus making the celebration joyful. Holy Mass was said by the Cathedral Administrator, Fr. Victor Chavunga OSB, who gave an enriching homily. The Gospel was taken from Luke 10:38-42. “As a religious person, one should be able to balance her life between work and prayer”, Father emphasized. Other present priests were Fr. Good Khumalo from the Diocese of Eshowe and Fr. Phelelani Mswane who once worked in the home parish of Sr. Faith in the Drakensberg region. Her family and some of the young people from the Church supported her on her special day and got a chance to witness the ceremony.
After the homily Sr. Faith went to the sanctuary and knelt in front of Sr. Assumpta, the Regional Superior. She vowed to God to live a life of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. She then signed her vows on the altar together with the Regional Superior. Afterwards she received a wreathe of white flowers on her new black veil, which symbolizes that she is now a bride of Christ. She also received a medal which has the image of our Blessed Virgin Mother, our Model and St. Francis our co- founder.
After Holy Mass everyone was invited to St. Clare dining hall to share lunch which was very well prepared. All her fellow sisters from the region were very happy to officially receive another junior sister in the community. The future of the congregation depends on the young sisters on going formation. “I am grateful for all the prayers and support during my novitiate and for the time I was given to prepare myself for my on-going journey”, Sr. Faith said.
Text & photos: Sr. Maria Machi
