On the eve of the Feast of the Birth of Mother Candida, Jennifer Castillo, FI and Paola Mariano, FI made their first profession of vows in the Congregation of the Daughters of Jesus. They tell us, in first person, what they experienced.
A simple and meaningful Eucharist
Last Saturday, May 30, in a simple and meaningful Eucharist, we celebrated the profession of our first vows in the congregation of the Daughters of Jesus. The celebration took place in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, in Licey al Medio (Santiago, DR), where we were accompanied by our families, friends, the parish community and the sisters of the Dominican Republic.
A party that was not only ours
It was a deeply shared celebration. It was beautiful to experience that it was not just our event; in every gesture received and in every detail of the preparation, we joyfully realized that no vocation can stand on its own. The witness of life, faith and prayer of so many people became for us the caress and the very presence of God.
We are living a day of immense joy, ideal for giving thanks to the Lord for his faithfulness and for sharing the joy of feeling called by him to be “true Daughters of Jesus. Professing these first vows puts us face to face with a journey that we wish to undertake sustained by trust in the Father, in whose hands we place our lives with the desire to live a generous self-giving, in the manner of Jesus.
When “yes” costs more
During the Eucharist, the priest’s words were very appropriate: they reminded us that there will come times when the “yes” will be more difficult, and that it is precisely there that the most authentic response can emerge. However, what a joy to feel that our willingness to say “yes” to God comes from knowing that we are loved, supported and accompanied by Him.
As the phrase we chose for the invitation said: “Our life in your hands: a path of trust and surrender”. To make profession was, in short, to confirm within ourselves the desire to be totally God’s, now with the Church and the Congregation as our witnesses.
United in prayer for their vocations
A year ago, Jennifer and Paola shared their experience of the month-long retreat with us, and today we’re celebrating the next step with them. Watching this story of dedication unfold is a gift for all of us who are here to support them.
Today, the 8th of the month, we unite in prayer in a special way for vocations to the Congregation of the Daughters of Jesus, we remain committed to pray for them and for all vocations. May the Lord, who began this work in them, bring it to fulfillment.
