Perpetual Professions Celebrated in Shillong, India

Sisters Ribha Mynsong, CSC, and Rita Halam, CSC, professed their perpetual profession of vows as Sisters of the Holy Cross on April 25, 2022, in Shillong, Meghalaya, India. We rejoice with them and their commitment to lives of consecrated service with the Congregation and the Catholic Church. Here, they share reflections of their momentous day and their journeys in Holy Cross.

Thy Love and Grace are Sufficient for Me

 by Sister Ribha Mynsong, CSC

“My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

It was a graced-filled moment to commit myself to consecrated life with the Sisters of the Holy Cross in my perpetual profession ceremony. I pray that the joy I experienced that day will stay with me for the rest of my life, especially in difficult times, to give me strength to continue saying “yes” each moment, with the help and support of my sisters in community.

I know that it was the Lord who chose me even before I was conceived in my mother’s womb. As God says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you” (Jeremiah 1:5).    

My limited knowledge of God’s love for me and my countless and unexplainable experiences of God’s unconditional love for me make me restless until I find ways to return that love to the one who loves me so much. That the same love is still whispering in me to respond to Jesus’ invitation in my call to religious life.

I do not know and understand everything but, like Mary, our mother, who said “yes,” I gave my word. I do not know how my life will be, or where my decision will take me, or what the demands will be of me. But, believing in the guidance of God, I will take things step by step to understand what it means to be a follower of Christ. To understand the meaning of my “yes” to the Lord, I need to say “YES” every moment of my life that needs a response from me. Each new day I have to decide and choose the choice placed before me, in order to live a life of the Gospel.

When I decided to begin my journey in this way of life, my intention was only to love the Lord and share that love that I experienced deep within me with others. And yet, it is not always easy. It takes faith, courage and self-denial. Jesus also experienced how hard it is to grow in love and freedom, to have patience with others and accept the pain of growing in love. Our Lord promised to be with me always, at all times and in all places. I don’t have to look for him or call out, for he is there in the innermost recesses of my heart. Jesus called his disciples to be with him, then sent them out for mission. Being with the Lord gives me strength daily to go out and encounter others and share that love. For apart from the Lord I can do nothing, but with the Lord I can do everything.

I will never forget those who have helped me in sailing through difficulties, who have been a part of my life and journey. I am grateful for my parents, who nurtured the seed of faith in me and kept it growing, and for my siblings who support and encourage me. My thanks go out to my formators, who journey with me, helping me to see Christ even in the most difficult times of life. I am also grateful for my spiritual directors, members of the Congregation I have lived with at different times, and leaders of the Congregation at all levels. All of you have been pillars to me, supporting me with your prayers, encouragement and your way of life. These gifts help me to grow in love for God, myself and others and gives me the confidence to keep growing on this journey.

This has been a time of growth of my knowledge of God’s love and his constant presence and guidance in every stage of my life. As God says in Joshua 1:9: “I want you to have courage in facing trials and difficulties.” These words give me strength, courage and confidence to face the journey ahead. This is the beginning; I have to run the good race to complete it with a good reward from the Lord. He assures me, “I go on loving you forever, you too are sharing my love with your brothers and sisters in all the ways you can; make them aware that they too are precious children of God.”

Here I am today with all of your help, prayer and support. I believe you all will continue to be a help and a blessing as we journey to live and die together in Holy Cross.

I Give Thanks to the Lord with my Whole Heart

by Sister Rita Halam, CSC

I give thanks to God for all his blessings and his love throughout my life. My heart is filled with joy and gratitude to have had such a beautiful, meaningful and memorable perpetual profession of vows.

I had been so excited and happy, eagerly awaiting the day to come. The day was filled with joy and celebration. I thank God for the gift of life and my vocation in Holy Cross. When I first met the Holy Cross sisters, it was love at first sight. My connection with the sisters was instant and I knew right then that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with them. Trusting in God’s providence and surrendering myself, my heart was filled with joy and peace during my perpetual profession.

The ceremony and liturgy were so beautiful, touching and meaningful for me. Sister Suzanne Brennan, CSC, general councilor, accepted the vows. She was accompanied by Sister Violet Rodrigues, CSC, coordinator of the Area of Asia.