Sisters of the Holy Cross » Asia » Sister Ridahun Basaiawmoit, CSC, makes perpetual profession

Sister Ridahun Basaiawmoit, CSC, makes perpetual profession

posted in: Asia, India, Professions, Vocation
Holy Cross Sister Ridahun Basaiawmoit, pictured with the bouquet of flowers, celebrated her perpetual profession of vows on May 6 in Shillong, India. Family, friends, and members of the Family of Holy Cross, including, from left, Holy Cross Sisters Parboti (Gomes), Rose Mary Marngar and M. Bruno (Beiro), rejoiced with her on the momentous day.
Holy Cross Sister Ridahun Basaiawmoit, pictured with the bouquet of flowers, celebrated her perpetual profession of vows on May 6 in Shillong, India. Family, friends, and members of the Family of Holy Cross, including, from left, Sisters Parboti (Gomes), Rose Mary Marngar and M. Bruno (Beiro), rejoiced with her on the momentous day.

by Sister Ridahun Basaiawmoit, CSC

“Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

The above message strengthened my faith, planted in me by my parents, which continued to grow as I entered deeply into religious life. Through prayer, faith sharing, spiritual reading, retreats and spiritual direction, my faith was deepened and enriched. Faith kept me strong as I journeyed with the help of my parents, formators and sisters in community.

My heart was full with wonder when I reflected on how much the Lord had done within me. And I felt the Lord’s power and energy within my surroundings. I was excited and happy as I awaited the day of my perpetual profession, but at the same time, I was nervous as I prepared to profess my vows.

As the day approached, I put it all aside and trusted in God’s Providence surrounding me with peace, with the help of my sisters in Holy Cross. I had a meaningful and beautiful vigil, a night prayer and a holud ceremony (a baptismal ritual cleansing, from the old to the new, with turmeric root powder), followed with the blessing of light. I was touched and felt the presence of the Holy Spirit strengthening me with peace.

The May 6 ceremony was held in the chapel of the Grotto Church of Cathedral Mary Help of Christians in Shillong, India. For the eucharistic celebration, Father John Madur, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Shillong, was the celebrant. Sister Brenda Cousins, CSC, general secretary and Area of Asia liaison with the General Leadership Team, accepted my vows, accompanied by Sister Pushpa Teresa Gomes, CSC, coordinator for the Area of Asia.

I felt very grateful to have priests from Holy Cross and other orders, sisters from all around the world, discerners and my family members attending, witnessing and rejoicing over my perpetual profession.

I was overcome by the support of the sisters and the hard work they put into organizing and arranging everything so well. I experienced great community teamwork that truly taught me how to be and to love in return.

I embraced all with my whole heart, expressing gratitude to God for my sisters and their prayerful support.