Our 25thJubilarians (continued) Irmã Neli Vieira dos Santos As I celebrate 25 years of consecrated life as a Joliet Franciscan Sister, I realize that my desire to be a disciple of Christ has continually grown. I am called to follow Jesus Christ and to serve my brothers and sisters who are in need of Him, all the days of my life. My Franciscan spirituality is a force within that helps me rediscover every day the profound mean-
ing of what it means to live a consecrated life. It guides me as I listen to the Word of God. It provides a great joy as I live the mission of the Joliet Franciscan Sisters among all of God’s creation. I am fulfilled as a teacher, a ministry that brings me great happiness as I think about the shining eyes of the children whom I will teach about the presence of God’s love in each of them. And so as I celebrate this 25th year as a Joliet Franciscan Sister, I pray that God’s grace will always be with me as I serve and persevere in faith. **The Sisters in Brazil will celebrate the 25th year Jubilarians on September 16th.
Irmã Maria Aparecida Gomes Irmã Maria Aparecida Gomes also lives and ministers in Brazil. As of press time, we had not yet received her reflection.
Sister Deborah Gaughan Makes Her First Profession July 21, 2012, marked a special day for both the Congregation and Sister Deborah Gaughan as she professed her first vows, responding to God’s call and embarking on the next step of her spiritual journey. With her white baptismal gown draped over her right shoulder, Sister Deborah prayerfully spoke the following words, “Lord, you have called me by name; here I am,” and formally made her First Profession of Vows before her family, friends and Sisters. Sister Deborah became an affiliate in 2009 and officially entered the Congregation in 2010 when she became a novice and received the recognized title of “Sister.” By professing her simple vows, Sister Deborah voiced her desire to continue to live the Gospel way of life according to the Rule and Life of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis and to abide by the Constitutions of the Congregation. “My profession day meant everything to me. It was more than I could ever imagine. The day was beyond amazing – God is good!” said Sister Deborah. “I am so blessed to have had my community, my family and friends supporting me and praying for and with me.” (More pictures of Sister Deborah’s profession are on the back page.)
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