With joy and gratitude, the English-speaking Indo-Pacific novitiate community, together with the East Asia Formation House, gathered in Manila on October 12, the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, to celebrate the entry of four postulants into the novitiate .

The celebration provided a particularly meaningful setting for this important step in their vocational journey. According to tradition, Our Lady of the Pillar appeared to the Apostle James to strengthen and encourage him in his mission to proclaim the Gospel. Her presence reminds us that Mary accompanies those who respond generously to God’s call, offering them strength and encouragement along the way. In fact, we, the Daughters of Jesus, were born and live under the shelter and protection of Mary Immaculate, the Star of our paths.

We entrust to your motherly care, in a special way, the four postulants: Hanna Nokrek, Fransiska Emilina Sesil, Afriana Kurnia, and Kristiani Yunita Nurhayati, who, on this day, formally began their journey as novices in our congregation.

A simple ritual, celebrated as a community

The rite marking the transition to the novitiate was incorporated into the celebration of Vespers. After the reading of the Word, the rite began with the postulants’ petition to the Provincial Superior, in which they expressed their desire to continue on their path of consecration through the experience of the novitiate.

Next, the Provincial Superior addressed them with words of encouragement and inspiration. She expressed her gratitude to the four postulants for their “yes” and to their families for the generosity with which they have accompanied and supported their vocation. She also acknowledged the courage of these young women who have left their own countries to follow the Lord in the Congregation of the Daughters of Jesus—a path that requires faith, trust, and a willingness to embrace whatever God places before them. It involves experiencing the joy of having found the treasure that makes you give your all for Jesus.

The Provincial assured them that they are not walking this path alone. The prayers of all the Sisters accompany them as they begin this new stage, encouraging them to persevere, to deepen their relationship with the Lord, and to devote themselves generously to the formation process.

As a visible sign of this new stage, the four new novices received from the Provincial Superior the Constitutions (CFI) and the Complementary Guidelines and Norms (DNC) of the Daughters of Jesus, which are the “light and guide,” way of life and style of those who live this vocation. They also received the crucifix—Jesus, who will always accompany them—and the novices’ medal bearing the IHS, signs that express their commitment to follow Christ and to faithfully live out the call they have received, as well as the Congregation’s welcome and support.

The Provincial then led the prayer of the rite, entrusting the four novices to the Lord and asking for His grace for them as they continue on their journey. The celebration of Vespers then continued until the closing prayers.

But the joy of this day did not end with the prayer.

Before the celebration concluded, the four new novices performed a dance of thanksgiving, expressing in a simple and joyful way their gratitude to the Lord and to all the Sisters and people who have accompanied them on their journey. Their gesture added a festive atmosphere to the celebration and reflected the joy of these young women who have said “yes” to God’s call.

Family Celebration and Gathering

Afterward, a simple dinner gave everyone the opportunity to share a meal, joy, and fellowship with the new novices in a warm, family-like atmosphere.

This celebration was much more than the beginning of a new stage of formation. It was also a reminder that every vocation is a journey traveled alongside others: family, formators, the Sisters, and the entire congregational community—and, above all, alongside the Lord who calls us.

On this feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, the four new novices begin this new chapter of their lives under Mary’s maternal care. Just as she once strengthened the apostle James for his mission, may she also strengthen Hanna, Fransiska, Afriana, and Kristiani, helping them to grow in courage, faithfulness, and love as they continue on their journey of following Jesus and serving God and others in the Congregation of the Daughters of Jesus.

Our Lady of the Pillar, be with them and strengthen their hearts.