The 4th of November 2023 will forever be etched in my heart as the day I made my Perpetual Vows. It was a profound and transformative experience, as I publicly and wholeheartedly committed my life to the service of God and his people. In that sacred moment, surrounded by my religious community and embracing the love and support of my family and friends, I felt a deep sense of inner peace and joy. It was as if the heavens opened, and I could hear God’s gentle whisper affirming my decision to consecrate my life to him. My heart was filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the gift of my vocation and the opportunity to belong completely to God.
As I reflected on this experience, I felt a deep sense of peace and joy knowing that I have wholeheartedly dedicated my life to a higher purpose, placing my trust in God and embracing the Charism of our Congregation of the Religious Sisters of Charity. The Vows of Poverty, Chastity, Obedience, and Service of the Poor signify my intention to live a life centered on selflessness, purity of heart, and humble submission to God’s will. Embracing these vows has reaffirmed my calling to live in solidarity with the marginalized, to seek God in all things, and to be a compassionate presence in the world. This experience has filled me with a thoughtful sense of thankfulness and purpose, and I am humbled and honored to embark on this lifelong journey of living out my vows in the footsteps of the compassionate and courageous founder of our Congregation, Venerable Mary Aikenhead.
As I prostrated before the altar, surrendering my will and desires to Christ, I felt a deep sense of freedom. It was liberating to let go of my own plans and ambitions, and to entrust my life completely to the guidance and providence of God. I realized that Perpetual Vows were not an end, but rather the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith, love, and self-giving. The weight of the commitment I made was humbling, but also exhilarating, for I knew that I had found my true calling to serve Christ as his faithful disciple. The experience of making Perpetual Vows strengthened my relationship with God, deepened my sense of purpose, and ignited a burning passion within me to live out these vows with unwavering fidelity, for the greater glory of God and the salvation of souls.
