Three Sisters Profess Final Vows, Commit to Life of Service
By Hilary John
In a solemn ceremony filled with prayer and thanksgiving at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cathedral, Gboko in Benue State, three sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus the Redeemer, made their final profession of vows, committing themselves to a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Drawing a parallel with the biblical story of Abraham, Most Revd. William Avenya, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, reminded the congregation that just as Abraham left his homeland in faith to follow God’s call, the sisters have chosen to leave behind the familiar and dedicate their lives fully to God.
Quoting from Genesis 12:1–4, Romans 6:3–11, and John 15:1–8, he emphasized how Christ gave Himself completely for humanity, redeeming us and making us God’s special people.
The Bishop described the sisters’ decision as a radical step in today’s world, where contradictions and distractions abound.
He urged the Church community to continue supporting them with prayers and encouragement, noting that their ministry through prayer, guidance, social services, and sacrifice helps humanity grow in faith and development.
Rev. Sr. Jovita Nzedure, Superior Delegate, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, appreciating the parents of the newly professed sisters for offering their daughters to God.
She also thanked the Bishop, fellow sisters, and all who traveled from near and far to make the day possible.
The newly professed sisters, Sr. Mary Janet Nguamo Shima and Sr. Mary Magdalene Thomas, expressed gratitude to God for His grace throughout their journey.
“The road was not easy, but with God’s help and the prayers of many, we have reached this day,” Sr. Mary Janet said.
They also thanked their superiors Mother General Marilena of the Angels, Sr. Jovita of the Holy Spirit, and Sr. Daniella of the Crucified Jesus as well as their families and all who supported them.
Encouraging young women, the sisters called on them to remain faithful to their vocation, whether in religious life or other commitments.
“Even if you are not religious, be faithful in what you do because in serving faithfully, you are serving God,” Sr. Mary Janet said.
Sr. Mary Magdalene added that those aspiring to religious life should not be discouraged: “Trust in God; He never disappoints. The world will fade, but Christ will never fail.”
In her goodwill message, Rev. Sr. Juliet Shima of the Infant Jesus (IJ) Sisters, described the day as deeply personal, noting that one of the professed sisters is her younger sister.
She prayed that God would give them the grace to cherish their vocation until the end of their lives and to strengthen religious life as a whole.
The ceremony concluded with Sr. Mary Magdalene thanking everyone for their support and prayers, and wishing them God’s blessings and safe journeys home.
