Sisters of Mercy Celebrate as Two Members Profess Final Vows (continued from page 1) Attending the ceremony and the reception that followed were more than 250 family members, Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Associates, other women religious and clergy. They were joined spiritually through prayer by the 750 Sisters of Mercy, 500 Mercy Associates and nine Companions in Mercy who are part of the West Midwest Community, one of six communities that form the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. "Following the ceremony I felt a sense of indescribable joy, then relief, then a feeling of finally being ‘anchored,’ if you will," said Sister Mary. “Making final vows for me has been a dream come true and God’s affirmation of my call to religious life through my permanent membership in the Institute of Mercy. In the last week I have been overwhelmed with gratitude and humbled by God's faithfulness and love in the countless encounters with people who have been the face of God in my life.” “It is a most wondrous thing to be a Sister of Mercy,” said Sister Charmaine. “I am filled with gratitude to God who, through the Sisters of Mercy, has made my deepest desire a reality. I was so moved at the prostration that when I stood up I felt like I was on wings. I am still basking in the love of God which was manifest at our consecration.” “We feel so blessed to have these women as Sisters of Mercy,” said Sister Judith Frikker, RSM, interim president of the West Midwest Community. “They truly have the love of God and the passion for serving those who suffer from poverty, sickness and a lack of education.” Delivering the reflection was Sister Michelle Gorman, a member of the West Midwest Community leadership team and the sister who has accompanied the two women in every step of their journey to become Sisters of Mercy. “When Charmaine and Mary entered the Mercy community in 2004, they took their life experiences, their tremendous gifts and talents, and tossed their lot with the Sisters of Mercy,” Sister Michelle said. “Chairmaine began her life in Sri Lanka, approximately 9,000 miles from here. Mary began her life in Lagos, Nigeria, approximately 8,000 miles from here. Their silhouettes have passed over many lands and occupations. Charmaine has been a radio announcer, a banker, mother, grandmother, spiritual director, contemplative, a tender of those addicted and pregnant. Mary, a proud Yoruba, has been a catechist, teacher, youth minister, justice organizer, student. Their lives have intersected here, in the hill country of Auburn, California,” Sister Michelle said. 8
Living Mercy • Summer 2011
Rev. John Boll blesses the rings that each sister wears to symbolize their commitment. With Rev. Boll are, from left: Sisters Mary, Judith Frikker, Patricia McDermott and Charmaine.
“We feel so blessed to have these women as Sisters of Mercy. They truly have the love of God and the passion for serving those who suffer from poverty, sickness and a lack of education.” Sister Judith Frikker
“We thank you, Charmaine and Mary, for traversing the open skies, and for landing today to seal your covenant with your loving God. We are grateful that you are willing to follow in the footsteps of so many women of Mercy, both living and dead, and that you are willing to commit the rest of your lives to the charism of Mercy - Misericordia - your hearts moved to compassion by the misery of the world and by your own experience of God’s mercy.” The Rite of Profession took place following the Gospel and included a “Call to Profession,” by Sister Judith Frikker and “Questioning” by Vice President Sister Patricia McDermott, representing the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Then, symbolic of giving themselves to God, both Mary and Charmaine lay prostrate in front of the altar during the Litany of The Saints. The sisters then publicly professed the vows that each had written and then signed them. The vows were, in turn, signed by Sisters of Mercy leadership and the presiding priest, Rev. John Boll. As a symbol of this commitment, each sister was presented a ring engraved with the motto she had chosen. Sister Charmaine chose: “Lord, my love, I am yours.” Mary chose: “Be Not Afraid/Mase Beru.” The sisters were then affirmed in song and welcomed by the Sisters of Mercy in attendance.