This Sunday, February 11, on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Novitiate community gathered in the Chapel of the house to celebrate the entrance of Mary Mae Santorce, a young woman from the Philippines who arrived in Argentina on February 2 to start her novitiate. Present was the Provincial Superior of the America Andina Province, Sister Marlene Serrano, who is visiting Cordoba, and Sister Luna of the community of Córdoba-Monterrico.
As is usual in this simple rite, Mary Mae was given some symbols proper to this stage. Sister Marlene, in giving the Constitutions to Mary Mae, told her that it would be light and guide for the path that she begins today. Sister Cecilia, in handing Mary Mae the crucifix, said that this cross is a reminder of the path of discipleship of Jesus. And when Sister Iris placed on her neck the IHS proper to the novitiate, she said that it was a symbol of the gradual process of her belonging to this family, but first of all and always to Jesus, whose name she is wearing.
During the day we felt very united in prayer with the entire congregational body. Mary Mae, through gifts, messages and calls, was experiencing the affection and closeness of the sisters of the America Andina province on this special day.
After the rite the sisters shared lunch and the Eucharist at the end of the day to thank God for the gift of Mary Mae’s vocation. We continue praying for her so that our Lord may continue to strengthen her.
