First Profession of Vows - Sr. MaryAnne fcJ
London, England - 30 August, 2003

The 30th August 2003… what were you doing? It was one of the most important days of my life.

I was surrounded by my family - mum, dad, my sister, aunties, cousins, my grandmother, and my FCJ sisters from all over Europe – and some from further away.

It was the day when I made first vows as a Faithful Companion of Jesus.

I had been preparing for this day for so long… and I had desired with all my heart to make this commitment. It was a beautiful occasion, the sun was shining, all the people I loved were there and I could not stop smiling… all the photos show me with a big grin.

The celebration began on the previous evening with a special gathering of the community during which I was welcomed into the FCJ Society as a vowed member. During this time of prayer each one of the community offered some words of wisdom and advice that would help me as I continued this journey with God! It was lovely to hear their encouragement and to know that they were all supporting me in such tangible ways.

On the day of my vows I was so excited, and nervous too. Many FCJ sisters had come to celebrate with me, as well as my family and friends.

The vow ceremony always takes place during Mass. I had chosen the scripture reading from John’s Gospel where Mary Magdalen recognises the risen Christ. It reminds me of the presence of God with me even when I don’t recognise it. The reading also gives me the sense of being someone who is sent by Jesus.

Fr Pawlu, a Jesuit priest from Malta spoke very beautifully about the commitment to religious life.

I will close with a prayer by Gertrude the Great that I chose for this day:

Let my soul grow in strength
let me grow in grace.
May the beauty of your love,
find in me a human face.

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