On Friday 23rd March Sr Sheila made her Perpetual Profession as a Marist Sister. The main celebrant for the Profession Mass was her uncle, Archbishop from Cotabato City. He was joined by Archbishop Capalla (Davao) and his Auxiliary Bishop from the Matina Parish, where the Eucharist was celebrated. A number of Priests, including Marist Fathers, concelebrated.
Sr Jane Frances O’Carroll, Congregational Leader of the Marist Sisters, received Sheila’s vows. Sr Julie Brand, Regional Leader of Marist Sisters in Asia-Pacific was present along with religious from all branches of our Marist Family and other religious from near and far.
Sheila’s parents, her two sisters, her brother and their families were present, together with many friends and parishioners. It was a joyful, prayerful Eucharist with beautiful music and an excellent homily. Sheila pronounced her Vows with confidence. The Church was decorated with lovely greenery and pretty white flowers.
Afterwards everyone joined us for lunch in the nearby Parish pavilion, where caterers had prepared a delicious meal. During the meal we were entertained with items, including a Fijian meke presented by Srs Val and Biri, and a Kiribati dance presented by Sr Terube.
All the Marist Sisters of the Sector of the Philippines had been involved in helping Sheila to organise this special day, and of course Sr Torika, Sector Leader of the Philippines, expressed the joy of all Marist Sisters when she welcomed everyone at the beginning of Mass. Sheila expressed her own words of thanks at the end of the Eucharist. In particular she mentioned the Sisters of each part of our Region – New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and the Philippines – who had been so significant in her journey towards Perpetual Profession.
CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN SHEILA…..MISS YOU AND ALL THE BEST….
PROUD OF YOU!! FIRST “FILIPINA” MARIST SISTER….GWAPA!!!
Congratulations Sheila! What a great day for us all. Glad to have shared some of the journey with you.
What a great joy for all Marists. Congratulations Sheila. May your life as a Marist Sister be very fruitful