On Saturday, July 10, Archbishop Brunett presided at a very special Mass in the Cathedral.  During the Mass, two women religious--Sister Theresa Trinh Nu Anh Dao, LHC and Sister Maria Vu Thi Hong Van, LHC--made their perpetual profession of vows in the order of the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Go Vap.




Sister Anne Nguyen Thi Thach, LHC, the Superior General of the Order, came from Vietnam to witness the vows.


The Sisters carry lit candles in the entrance procession--a reminder of the day of their baptism.




The candidates for final profession are summoned from the assembly. As her name is called, each responds, "Here I am for the Lord has called me."


The sisters prostrate themselves on the altar.  They are covered with a white cloth, a "pall" symbolic of death and rising to new life.


During the litany of saints, two "angels" sprinkle them with flower petals.


The choir for this occasion sings the litany of saints, concluding: "Bless these sisters of ours, your servants, make them holy, and consecrate them to your service."


The solemn moment of profession: the sisters profess their vows before their Superior General.




After their solemn profession, the sisters sign the document of profession.


Archbishop pronounces the prayer of consecration over the newly professed:  "Father, we earnestly pray you: send the fire of the Holy Spirit into the heart of your daughters to keep alive within them the holy desire he has given them... May the glory of Baptism and holiness of life shine in their hearts."


"Receive this ring, for you are betrothed to the eternal King; keep faith with your bridegroom so that you may come to the wedding feast of eternal joy.


"Receive this cross, which is a reminder of our need to meditate constantly on the Crucified Christ, who is the only object of your mind and heart."


The newly professed stand before the assembly, holding their crosses before them, while a traditional song is sung.


"In following you, I walk on the way of the Cross which invites me,
in following you I walk on the consecrated way of love.
In following you, I walk silently step by step.
In following you, I walk under the shadow
of the standard of the Holy Cross."


The newly professed exchange a sign of peace with the Archbishop.


At offertory time, young dancers lead the presentation of the gifts, while the choir sings a song of thanksgiving.




"I offer you my prayers full of love; I glorify you, my Lord, for your immense and intimate graces.  All my life, I'd like to glorify your love."


The sisters bring forward the gifts of bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist.  Congratulations, Sister Theresa and Sister Maria!