Sr. Emeline Thúy's Reflection:
THE GIFT OF PERPETUAL RELIGIOUS PROFESSION
I was born and raised in Kiên Giang, Vietnam, and in 2006, my family came to America. After living with my family for a short period of time, I wished to offer my life to God in the Congregation of Mary, Queen – US Region. I joined the Congregation in August of 2012, and after ten years of formation, I recently professed Final Vows. My dream was simple: I dreamt of belonging entirely to Christ, for He is my inheritance! And my dream has been fulfilled through the grace of God and the loving support of many people. I am forever grateful to my religious family — the CMR Sisters, and my parents and relatives.
Sr. Julie Kim- Hoa's Reflection:
THE LONG F-WORD
In this current modern culture, the Long F-word may be a "bad" word. It is 12 letters long yet encompasses a lifetime. That word is Faithfulness. Earlier this month, on June 11, 2022, I was blessed and humbled to profess my second temporary vows whilst three other CMR sisters celebrated their faithfulness - their forever, perpetual commitment to Christ. This great celebration also serves as a wondrous reminder of God's never-ending faithfulness towards us. Bishop Rice highlighted in his homily that Sr. Emeline and the jubiliarians, Sr. Janine and Sr. Irene, are good living examples and inspirations for me and all those in formation to follow, "as they have done, so to you, you can do it." This was one of the many graces received this day. Not only are they motivation for me to persevere, but motivation to love Jesus more wholeheartedly than ever before. I am grateful for all the support from the Sisters, my family, and especially my new work family at Mercy Gastroenterology throughout this first year. I certainly grew a lot this year, not only physically (7lbs!) but also emotionally and spiritually. Renewing my vows, I affirmed to continue this remarkable adventure that Jesus and I are on together, for which I am very grateful. I am definitely bringing this spirit of gratitude as fuel for me throughout this upcoming year. Please pray for all the Sisters and me that we are faithful as our God is faithful.
Sr. Janine Vân's Reflection:
THANKS BE TO GOD
Twenty-five years ago, I could not have imagined the conversations, laughter, and tears that would be mine when I said "Yes" to God. I did not expect the immense graces God has poured out on me — the assignments given by the superiors, although difficult to understand at times, have helped me to grow, the unconditional support of my parents and siblings when I left family at the tender age of 15, and the people You have brought into my life to help build Your kingdom together. As I look forward to another 25 years as God's beloved daughter and His bride, I hope it will be a response of gratitude and joy for all that He has done for me. I pray for the next 25 years to be years of gratitude and working zealously in the vineyard of the One who died for love of me. Please keep me in your prayers as I strive to help others experience the Love that has been given to me.
Sr. Irene Khanh's Reflection:
ALL IS GRACE
On May 31, 1972, at the age of 17, I was incredibly blessed to make my first Religious Vows with a firm resolve to consecrate myself more fully to God and to follow Christ more closely in my whole life, a life of chastity, poverty, and obedience; I became a Sister of the Congregation of Mary, Queen in the heart of our Mother Church. My conviction and living out my vocation has developed and become stronger with time through God’s merciful and faithful love. On June 11, 2022, I celebrated my Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession. Looking back over the last 50 years, I would say: ALL IS GRACE! During this long period of time, a lot of water has gone under the bridge of my life, but again: ALL IS GRACE. I am grateful to God, Who has loved, called, and chosen me from my youth, been patient with me in the process of formation, and has given me His grace and strength to serve. Besides, my life journey has always been filled with the family spirit: the loving care of our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Joseph, which has been made visible through my own family, my CMR family, my friends, and those I have served in my ministries.
The Consecrated Life has many challenges, but it is also very meaningful because it is the unique way that God has intended for me to live with Him eternally, which has begun in this earthly life. All I want and dream for the rest of my life, I enfold together with that of Saint Paul: “… I consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things…, that I may gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8).