Sr. Annelyth

When there is an important event, we wish for the best weather, don’t we? Do you want to know what happened on my perpetual profession day? Before the liturgy, it was raining, but during the recessional hymn, the sun shone as we were singing, “Shine, Jesus, Shine.”

It was on Tuesday, August 15, 2006. I remember how the Lord gifted me with pouring rain. I enjoy walking in the rain because I am always reminded of my baptism--being soaked in God’s love. So when this downpour happened, I felt affirmed. I started to love baptism when I learned its effects in my theology class. I began to renew my baptismal promises daily then, and still do now, when I wash my face with water. Why? I want to be reminded of who I am: a beloved child of God. On the special occasion of my profession, I aspired to deepen this call of being a beloved child of God to being the bride of Christ living in community. I prayed continually that day, “Lord, you have called me. Here I am.” As I was waiting for the liturgy to begin, I was inspired to offer my hurts and most especially to ask for forgiveness for the disappointments I caused Him and others. That day was a gift: I became a new person just as I did in baptism.

As I began to process down the aisle, my eyes were fixing on the Lord, my heart was praising and thanking Him, and my mouth was singing, “I will espouse you…” At around 11:03 AM, I prostrated during the Litany of the Saints. I felt very confident because Jesus was with me. As I was prostrating, I said this special prayer: “Acknowledging God’s tender mercy and love, I live now not I but You, Love, live in me. In our union through the Holy Spirit, may Your name be praised in who I am and I what I do.” At 11:15 AM, I made my vows to Almighty God with strength, clarity, and sincerity. Again, I thanked Jesus for being with me. Then I placed the hand of Sister Mary Edward on my forehead asking for her blessing, saying, “Mano po.” When I signed the vow formula, what a surprise to see the pen-holder on the altar was a little Santo Nino, my hometown’s parish name! It reminded me of my family. In their absence, Santo Nino was present on the altar on behalf of my family! “All along You have been with me,” I whispered.

When the bishop prayed the prayer of consecration, I listened intently. “Lord, send the power of the Holy Spirit to shine in her heart. May she always be one with You in loving fidelity to Christ, her only Bridegroom.” At 11:23 AM, the bishop said, “Receive this ring for you are betrothed to the Eternal King…”

It has been fifteen years, and the grace to be in “constant, conscious, communion” with Jesus is still vital for me everyday.