Three young ladies have dedicated their lives to God’s service by professing their first vows as Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SMI) Congregation on September 8, 2024 in Daffiama, Wa.
The three Sisters made their profession within the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by the Vicar General of the Wa Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Cornelius Bayirnoba.
The Assistant Superior General of the Congregation, Sr. Edith Bahinse welcomed and introduced the three young ladies to the congregation present as they prepare to make their profession, marking their formal entry into to the SMI family.
In Sermon, Fr. Bayirnoba proclaimed that God continues to call young people to the Religious Life, just as He has called these young individuals to the SMI Congregation.
Emphasising the divine calling, Fr. Bayirnoba encouraged the congregation to recognise and support the vocation journey of these three young women, who have courageously responded to God’s invitation to serve.
Highlighting the core values of the SMI Congregation, Fr. Bayirnoba reminded the three Sisters that their commitment to simplicity and availability is essential in every aspect of their apostolate.
He encourage them to embody these values by being open and willing to serve wherever they are called and to embrace the simplicity that allows them to focus on their mission and ministry.
By doing so, he said, they would truly live out the chrism of the SMI Congregation and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve.
Fr. Bayirnoba cautioned the Sisters to be mindful of the temptations that could lead them astray from their vows, especially the allure of material possessions and the influence of friends who may try to distract them from their commitment.
He urged them to remain vigilant and focused on their spiritual journey, avoiding the entanglements of worldly desires and relationships that could compromise their dedication to God and their congregation.
Hence their heart and attention should be on Jesus thus “give no one the spare keys to your heart.”
The celebrant thanked the families of the three sisters for supporting their vocational call, allowing them to follow God’s path and further exhorted the families to continue providing their daughter with unwavering support and encouragement in all aspects of their lives, particularly during moments of struggle.
He emphasised the importance of standing by them, even when their journey as religious sisters may pose challenges or when they may face difficulties in living up to their vows.
He noted that by doing so, the families could be a source of strength and comfort, helping their daughters to persevere and remain faithful to their calling.
With solemnity and gratitude, the Assistant Superior, representing the Superior General and the entire SMI family, formally received the pronounced vows of the three sisters as a sacred and official document, sealing their lifelong commitment to God and the Congregation.
This poignant moment marked a profound milestone in their spiritual journey as they irrevocably dedicated themselves to serving the Lord and embodying the values of the SMI Congregation.
By Sr. Juliana A. Atuuna SMI (Sr. Communicator)
