By Lizeth Chamorro
Colorado School of Mines ~ Class of 2011
Once upon a time in Queens, New York, four courageous and faithful women decided to give their hearts entirely to the Holy Trinity through God’s grace. It sounds like a fairy tale, but this story is a true and beautiful one, and started years ago when these brave girls answered God’s call to the religious life. On July 16th, 2011, these four women of God took their first vows as Little Sisters of the Poor. They have begun their personal journey, holding God’s tender hand.
Being one of the witnesses of this important moment for our newly-professed Little Sisters and their families was such a blessed experience for me! As I watched Little Sisters arrive from the Sisters’ different Homes all up and down the East coast, I wondered: “Have you ever seen so many Little Sisters of the Poor at the same time and place?” Well, let me tell you, the experience is fascinating! Seeing these daughters of God all wearing their white habits and all saying : “Hello, Sister” or “Hello Soeur…” or just simply, “Ma Petite Soeur” was a lovely and heartwarming experience.
Love and peace surround the novitiate at Queens, and with the Little Sisters’ prayers continuously surrounding these young women in formation, God was there taking care of His little ones as usual. At the moment of the profession ceremony, led by his grace Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. from Denver, the beauty of this multicultural group of Little Sisters, the presence of so many priests, the happiness of the families, and the excitement of the guests all made this event unique and immensely beautiful. When each of the new Little Sisters was professing her first vows, a silence filled the chapel, and then people burst into applause and tears of joy. This was an exceptional moment for all of us.
Let us pray for the newly-professed Little Sisters–Sr. Mary Alexandra, Sr. Gemma de la Croix, Sr. Marie Agnes de la Croix and last but not least, Sr. Ana Malia Benedict–that God may be their protection, and that they can say with confident and joyful hearts: “God is my rock and my salvation” (Psalm 62:2).
Go Little Sisters, go!!!
Top: Archbishop Chaput, O.F. M. Cap. with newly professed Sisters: from left: Sr. Mary Alexandra, Sr. Gemma de la Croix, Sr. Marie Agnes de la Croix, and Sr. Ana Malia Benedict.
Right: Newly professed Sr. Mary Alexandra, l.s.p., from the Archdiocese of Denver, embraces Mother Margaret Regina, Provincial Superior.
My Visit to Queens: Religious Profession at St Ann’s Novitiate