The Sisters of Mary Queen of Peace in Canberra renew their vows
Papal Nuncio blessing the cake
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. The Mass was celebrated by Papal Nuncio, His Excellency Most Rev. Charles Balvo, who concelebrated with Monsignor John Itaruma, Fr John Armstrong, Fr Eden Langlands and Deacon Duc Nguyen in a beautiful ceremony at the Sisters’ house chapel in Bonner.
Beforehand Vietnamese Community member 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.
Sr Kim Hoa, Sr Tuyet & Sr Minh renewing vows
Community leaders Sr Kim Hoa, Sr Tuyet and Sr Minh each carried candles, symbols of their faith and commitment, as they knelt at the altar and renewed their vows before the congregation of family and friends.
The Presentation of the Lord is the World Day for Consecrated Life for men and women in all countries. 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, religious and non-religious, and our common home, the earth and all its creatures.
Community Leader, Sr Kim Hoa
In line with this theme and The Year of Walking Together (2022-2023), representatives of other consecrated communities were invited to attend.
In attendance from the Canberra Carmelite community were Sr Bernadette, Sr Monica, Sr Paula and Sr Francesca. From the Missionaries of Charity, Sr Marie Louise, Sr Cherubina and Sr Asunte Marie. From the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, Sr Sue, Sr Rita, Sr Clare and Sr Beverley. From the Christian Brothers, Bro John.
Afterwards, the Nuncio blessed an especially made cake in honour of The Presentation of the Lord and the renewing of the Sisters’ vows.