The Sisters of the Congregation of Mary Queen of Peace renewed their vows at their community house chapel in Canberra on February 2 , the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, and World Day of Consecrated Life.

The Sisters were surrounded by Religious from other Congregations, benefactors and friends and a few kangaroos looking on approvingly.

Congregational Leader, Sr Kim Hoa Ha, warmly welcomed the main celebrant, Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Balvo and Monsignor Alfred Rayan De Souza, the First Secretary at the Nunciature.

In her welcome, Sr Kim spoke firstly in English and then in Vietnamese, linking Pope Francis’ central message for the Jubilee Year, the renewal of Christian hope and love found in God’s word, with the aims of her Congregation. The Sisters of Mary Queen of Peace live a contemplative spirit that seeks, in an Australian context, to build on the traditions from their community in Buon Me Thuot, Vietnam, a people who tell the Good News of God’s love in their own time and place and who enrich each other spiritually.

The Papal Nuncio said St Luke’s description of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple included five times the phrase “in accordance with the Law”, reminding us that everything Jesus, Mary and Joseph did was in accordance with their Jewish faith as people of God. He observed that this day, traditionally known as Candlemas, is a feast of Light. Just as our Lord Jesus is the light of the world who lights our path, so do the Sisters of Mary Queen of Peace bring light to our world, particularly through the witness of their vows. Everyone, Religious and otherwise, in their own way can live a vow of obedience to the will of God, he said.

Sr Kim, Sr Minh and Sr Nhung then renewed their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience at the altar, each holding a lighted candle. Following the ceremony Sr Kim invited everyone to enjoy a Vietnamese meal.

This article, by Jeff Dutton, was submitted to Pathways for publication.