On Monday, with great joy and smiling faces, the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary got together with friends to celebrate the Holy Eucharist presided by Most Reverend Bishop Stephen Hero, of Prince Albert with Reverend Father Michael Everyt and the concelebrating diocesan Vietnamese priests were present.  The musicians animated the mass with the opening hymn ‘Bless the Lord O my soul, worship his holy name ‘by Matt Redman.

Since it was the feast of the Annunciation of Mary, Bishop Stephen focused his homily on Mary’s ‘yes’.  He said “with the help of God’s grace we can say ‘yes’ to our vocation and be able to carry it every day.  Sister Kieu will renew the vows that she already lived her ‘yes’ for many years but she signals to us and to God to continue praying for her so she can keep her heart open to the mission.  God calls us and upholds us, not be afraid.  We expect everything from God, to wait for His graces; we need to do what God asks of us every day.  During this season of lent let us keep praying Saint Marie Rivier for the gift from the cross.”

At the offertory, Sister Kieu Pham pronounced and renewed her temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Later on, her final vows will be her final ‘yes’ to live these vows with a perpetual yes to God. Then the Sisters also renewed their vows as a sign of solidarity and community support for her. A hymn by Chris Christian was then sung by the Sisters, ‘We are an offering, all that we have we offer it to you”.

While the communion was distributed to everyone, the musicians sang the hymn ‘Song of the body of Christ’ in different languages, including Vietnamese, “chung ta den de chia se cau chuyen cua minh’.

Being the feast of Mary, the last hymn ‘Ave Maria’ was sung by Father DJ Vu with his guitar.

The celebration ended with an agape lunch which everyone enjoyed. This is a genuine experience of fraternity.
There was a real sense of pleasure after the meal for the Sisters who they took the opportunity to get together as they mingled and supported each other especially with Vietnamese Sister Kieu who is now studying at the University of Regina.
God still calls some people to evangelize, to bring his love, the Good News of the Gospel to everyone. We all have a vocation to connect with people.

In thoughtfulness, the sisters gave Sister Kieu a few gifts signifying this special day of her vows.

Sister Kieu, may you always follow Christ, who is the ‘Way’.  May He lead and transform your route as you continue to walk in his footsteps and blessing the Lord at all times.  May you also follow Mary and imitate her when she gave her free ‘yes’ to God.

’I have called you by your name; you are mine”. Is. 43; 1

At the end of the day the sisters took the opportunity to thank Sister Elodie Filipe for her helping hand at the new house ‘Mary’s House’ in Saskatoon.  A few words of thanksgiving were addressed to her with a farewell song by the Sisters to say good bye to our sister Elodie who will be leaving us at Easter to go back home to Portugal. Here is a short summary of S.April,

Her name is Sister Élodie, like Melody without the “M”.

Yes a melody, a strong, yet discreet melody with deep resounding tones, and mysterious interludes. Yes, a melody that has brought a new sound to the PM chorus in Saskatchewan. We will miss the melody of your thoughtfulness and care in the way you interact with people and the small acts of kindness or gifts you give. We will miss the melody of your laugh and teasing, the delight and joy you bring to the house. Yes Sister Élodie, your presence among us will continue to ring echoes among us and has changed and enhanced the quality of my personal song and of the harmony of our Province. Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made and for saying “yes” to sharing your melody with us.

We love you dearly and will miss you greatly!

May the presence of Christ fill your hearts with his joy and love.  May you continue to take God’s word at heart as he calls you to faithfulness.