At the end of the Year dedicated to the Consecrated Life, six young girls profess their first vows in the Congregation of Our Lady of Sion, Jerusalem.
With a simple sentence, these young girls have taken an important commitment.

„Yes, I am ready to accept this call.“

They said yes to life of poverty, celibacy and obedience to God and to the principles of the congregation to which they belong. The commitment has been accompanied by a prayer.

„Father, send down Your Spirit upon me, so that, following Mary’s example, I accept your word. Father, enkindle in me a response of love and faithfulness. „

These six young girls, formerly novices, professed their first vows in the community of Our Lady of Sion. They came from Guatemala, the Philippines, Egypt and Brazil, and have spent two years in Jerusalem.

JOEY EDUVANE, Philippines
„We have studied and even made apostolic experiences in Jerusalem; some of us in Poland and Egypt. We are very grateful and we give glory to God for this day.“

The commitment was made on an important day: the last day of the Year for Consecrated Life. Instituted by Pope Francis, the year began on November 30, 2014 and will end on February 2, 2016.

ROZENI SILVA, Brazil
“Having waited five years to see all our achievements completed in the Year Consecrated to religious Life is a blessing from God, it is like a miracle.“

Sr. MAUREE CUSICK, NDS, Congregation Our Lady of Sion
„It is a joy for the congregation, as for other communities, to celebrate the religious and the consecrated life and to honor the importance of all the charisms of religious life for the Church“

When he organized a Year dedicated to the Consecrated people, Pope Francis said he expected each religious to look at the history of their religious institution with gratitude, to live the present with enthusiasm and to embrace the future with hope.

Fr. CARLOS VASCONCELOS, NDS, Congregation Our Lady of Sion
„The different charisms of the various congregations, religious institutions and historic orders give more life to the Church. We bring the Church to places where the secular clergy can not go. Therefore, I think that religious life in the Church is of vital importance.“

In the apostolic letter written on the occasion of the opening of the Year of Consecrated Life, the Holy Father also highlighted the necessity of the testimony. He said that the life of every consecrated person should be an example for others, a life that reveals the joy and beauty of living the Gospel and follow Christ.

Source: Terra Santa News 22/01/2016