The religious conviction that it is a glorious destiny to be called to consecrated life was firmly communicated as the Sisters of Mary Queen of Peace in Canberra renewed their vows during the Mass of the Presentation of the Lord, their Feast Day this month.

The Sisters of Mary Queen of Peace (front left) with other Canberra-based Religious, Apostolic Nuncio Charles Balvo, clergy and friends at the celebration of their renewal of vows. PHOTO: Supplied/Jeff Dutton.

Leader of the Congregation, Sr Kim Hoa Ha, said the Congregation was encouraged by the words of Canberra-Goulburn Archbishop Christopher Prowse: they are to be “tellers of the Good News” in this Year of The Holy Spirit.

Sr Kim also spoke of the importance of a contemplative spirit in their Congregation. The Sisters seek to listen to the community in which they live, building on the traditions that they bring from their community in Buon Me Thuot, Vietnam, in particular the charism of peace.

Carmelite Sister Bernadette, Sister of Charity Emma Maria, and Deacon Mark Ha read the Scriptures and the Prayers of the Faithful were made in English and Vietnamese by young Vietnamese congregants.

In his homily, Archbishop Charles Balvo, Papal Nuncio to Australia, spoke of an unsettling experience of walking through a pitch-black tunnel and his relief when a ray of light was finally seen.

“The Sisters carry God’s light,” he observed; “They provide an example and bring light and radiance into the world.”

Other celebrants included Monsignor Alfred Rayan D’Souza, First Secretary at the Nunciature and Deacon Mark Ha, along with fellow Religious Brothers and Sisters, and friends and supporters from near and far.

A Vietnamese dinner followed the Mass and was enjoyed by all on a very warm Canberra evening.

Text and photos supplied by Jeff Dutton.