Thanksgiving Mass for Sr. Yvonne

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THANKSGIVING MASS FOR SR YVONNE KALELA

Sr. Yvonne writes from Zambia!

A day of thanksgiving for my first profession of vows was celebrated solemnly with a Eucharistic Liturgy on Sunday, February 1, 2009. Everyone present did their best to make it lively and prayerful through song, ritual, and genuine good will and appreciation.

After Mass, we had a gathering in the parish hall. This was made up of representatives from the nine small Christian communities, the youth and parish executive, the parish priest, my parents, siblings and a good number of Holy Rosary Sisters. Gifts were presented and speeches were made. My father spoke first; he expressed how happy he was to have his daughter now belong so closely to Christ and the church. Despite that joy, he acknowledged, he felt my absence. He spoke of gratitude to the Sisters for taking good care of me throughout the four years of my formation and his admiration for the way the Sisters live in communities happily, despite the fact that they are from different cultures and countries. He felt that I was in the right place and assured me of my family’s support and prayers.

The parish chairman expressed his joy and thanked my parents for giving their daughter to the Church. He went on to share how happy he was to see young women like me dedicate their lives to the service of God’s people. He said that the parish is happy to produce a religious and hopes that many more youth will follow my footsteps.

The parish priest implored the youth to make good decisions in their lives and challenged them to consider the choice to serve God in the priesthood and religious life. No matter what their vocational choice, he reminded them of the importance of living a life committed to Christ.

As I recall that very special day, I can only marvel that the works of God are wonderful and glorious. May his name be blest for making me feel so special and making my thanksgiving celebration of my religious profession such a wonderful event, always to be remembered with joy.