The Sisters of Mary Queen of Peace in Canberra renewed their vows recently during a special Mass on their Feast Day, The Presentation of the Lord (2 February).
Sisters Tuyet and Minh, with community leader Sr Kim Hoa, each carried candles, symbols of their faith and commitment, as they knelt at the altar and renewed their vows before the congregation in a beautiful ceremony at the Sisters’ house chapel in Bonner.
Sr Kim Hoa, community leader, Sisters of Mary Queen of Peace, Canberra.
The Mass was celebrated by Papal Nuncio, His Excellency Most Rev Charles Balvo, who concelebrated with Monsignor John Itaruma, Fathers John Armstrong and Eden Langlands and Deacon Duc Nguyen.
Beforehand, Mr Hung Tran spoke about the origin of the Order of Mary Queen of Peace in Vietnam in 1959 and its mission of providing education to young people, orphans and the disabled, and bringing the peace of Jesus to people, particularly those in distress.
The Presentation of the Lord is the World Day for Consecrated Life. Pope Francis, inspired by the example of St Francis, has invited consecrated people to use this day to broaden the perspective of communion to include all people and our common home, the earth and all its creatures. In line with this theme and The Year of Walking Together (2022-2023), representatives of other consecrated communities were invited to attend.
Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Balvo blessing the cake, as members of other religious congregations and local priests look on. PHOTO: Catholic Voice.
In attendance from the Canberra Carmelite community were Sisters Bernadette, Monica, Paula and Francesca. From the Missionaries of Charity, Sisters Marie Louise, Cherubina and Asunte Marie. From the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, Sisters Sue, Rita, Clare and Beverley. From the Christian Brothers, Brother John.
Afterwards the Nuncio blessed an especially-made cake in honour of The Presentation of the Lord and the renewing of the Sisters’ vows.
Photo and text: Jeffrey Dutton