“Remain in me, as I remain in you” (John 15:4)
On August 15, 2020, feast of the Assumption of Mary in Anisakan, Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar, Sr. Nant Annie Mai, Sr. Bernedette Mai Sant and Sr. Lucia Premar Htay , made their final vows in the presence of their family members, formands, Salesian priests and Sisters. Following the guidelines of the government, the celebration was done in the Chapel of St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello Community, Anisakan with a limited numbers of participants. Bishop Marco Thin Win, Bishop of Mandalay, celebrated the Eucharistic celebration with Fr. Saw Charles, SDB, Provincial of the Salesians and Fr. James Luke, SDB as concelebrants. The Provincial, Sr. Jessica Salvaña, who is in Cambodia was unable to be present because of the travel restrictions, followed the celebration through online.
The celebration was simple, done in
a family-like atmosphere. It started at 9:30 in the morning with the lively
singing of the Sisters. The three Sisters entered with a radiant face beaming
with joy and courage to proclaim their “Yes” forever to the Lord, like Mary the
humble servant of God. They were accompanied
by their parents who were so happy to offer their daughters generously to the
Lord. Bishop Marco’s homily inspired and encouraged the Sisters as well as the
assembly who were present to live their vocation to the full. Moreover, he
underscored that it is not simply detaching from all but choosing to live this
religious life which is a life of Love: love for God and neighbors.
After
Mass, lunch was served to the guests. In the evening there was a festive
celebration to congratulate the three Sisters with songs and dances by the formands,
students and Sisters. The family members of the three Sisters shared their
feeling and expressed words of gratitude to the Institute and to the Sisters.
They also assured the Salesian Sisters of their prayer for all. The celebration
ended with the greetings and message of the Provincial which was read by Sr.
Juliet and translated by Sr. Veronica. Upon hearing the message of Sr. Jessica,
some parents were moved into tears.
Indeed,
everyone was filled with gratitude in their hearts to God for His goodness and
fidelity and for the generous and courageous “Yes” of the three Perpetually
professed Sisters. It was a fitting occasion to thank Mother General for
accepting the three sisters in the Institute forever. It was also a beautiful
moment to thank the Lord, Mother Mary, Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello who accompanied
this beautiful celebration so that everything goes well.
