“The spirit of the Assumption tends toward a joyful detachment from earthly things and a going beyond trials and difficulties without complaining or wasting our time over them.” (St. Marie Eugenie)
This word of St. Marie Eugenie highlights the joy found in dedicating oneself fully to God, embracing a life that transcends worldly concerns. It is a deeply personal and spiritual experience, marking a lifelong commitment to God in a particular religious congregation.
The Journey of our final religious commitment was one of deep joy and surrender. It was not a day of vows for us but a culmination of years of formation, prayers and love of Christ and his church which is a gift of God’s love and accompaniment. “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” (Song of Songs 6:3)
At the time of one-month intensive preparation of the final commitment, we spent time in silence, retreat and reflections on various topics such as spiritual growth, congregational documents and history, education and Vows which gave us a way to know oneself and to confirm once own call and to deepen our relationship with God. There were moments of certainty and moments of doubt but through it all we felt His gentle assurance and engorgement “Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10).
On the day of our perpetual vow (10th February 2025) , it was a moment of profound grace and joy, feeling God’s presence in a new and trans-formative way. There was a feeling of deep joy that we are fully in the presence of God, our sisters, family members and friends around us and it reminded us that this commitment was not just personal but communal and togetherness. We are very grateful to each of you dear sisters for being united with us in constant prayers.
The Phrase “Here I am” is a powerful expression of readiness to surrender and commitment to God’s call. It echoes throughout the scripture, in moments of profound encounter and mission in the life of several individuals like, Mary, Abraham, Isaiah, Samuel, etc. We felt that this same phrase was constantly making us to be aware of the call of God and to respond Him with great humility by humbling oneself in front of Him and his people. As we wear ring on our finger, then we felt joy knowing that our life now fully belongs to Christ and became full member of the congregation. We felt an inner freedom, a freedom that comes from belonging completely to God and the congregation.
Though the journey of our life will continue with joy, difficulties and challenges, but the grace of that day remains with us alive and a constant reminder that God’s love is everything and his faithfulness as St. Marie Eugenie Says, “Love never says it enough.”
By Sr. Nijora