by Sister Gidding Marceline Simsang, CSC, and Sister Urmita Cicilia Rozario, CSC
We rejoice in and with Sister Teresa Rebeiro, CSC, who made her perpetual profession of vows on May 14, 2021, at Holy Rosary Church, Tejgaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze, OMI, DD, of the Archdiocese of Dhaka, presided over the liturgy. Sister Violet Rodrigues, CSC, Area of Asia coordinator, received her vows.
The archbishop mentioned in the homily that the real taste of consecrated life comes through receiving the vows, as well as staying connected with God and understanding what we are called to be as his disciples. Making the day blissful, several Holy Cross sisters, other religious, and Sister Teresa’s family were in attendance. Sister Pushpa Teresa Gomes, CSC, first councilor of the Congregation’s General Administration, also was present and gave a speech at the end of the eucharistic liturgy. Mass was followed by a festive meal and cultural programs in thanksgiving for the life of Sister Teresa.
The day before the celebration, Sister Teresa had arranged and participated in a meaningful holy hour. She also shared the following meaningful reflection during her perpetual profession ceremony.
With a Grateful Heart
“For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13
“Praise the Lord, O my soul, praise his holy name and never forget all his blessings,” are the words that well up in my heart as I commit myself to the Lord forever. My whole being dances with joy to recall God’s marvelous works in my life. From the womb, he shaped and fashioned me. In all joys and sorrows, he has been with me, walking by my side as a gentle mother, holding my hands, and reaching for me to this day.
I feel so grateful to God for calling me to be his own. I thank God for the gift of my vocation and feel great joy in living and giving myself to God through the gift of my vocation. Today is a great opportunity for me to thank God and all the people who have been caring for me. I especially thank my parents for their love, sacrificial life, support and inspiration. I remember all my friends, relatives, teachers, spiritual directors and Holy Cross sisters, as they have played a significant role in my life.
My Holy Cross journey has had ups and downs, but joining the Sisters of the Holy Cross has been the best thing that ever happened to me. I was attracted to the Congregation as I saw sisters’ joy, happiness, respect for other cultures, and their love and care for the people of God.
Today, the day of my perpetual profession, is a joyful celebration of my journey as a woman of the Holy Cross. On this day of my perpetual profession, the prayer I hold in my heart and mind is: “I remember those who brought light. I remember those who brought love. I remember those who brought God into my life. I will go now and do the same. I will go now and do the same with my life.”
I commend myself to God’s grace and to your prayers, that I may offer my heart, my hand, my mind, my will. I offer my all. I live for the whole of life; I live for truth. I leave the small self behind, letting go of the ego’s ways. I say “Yes” for the whole, as God has chosen me to serve his people through the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
—Sister Teresa Rebeiro, CSC
