On 1 February 2025, the Pallottine Missionary Sisters in Brazil, together with the parish community of Santa Teresinha in Codó, celebrated a historic and poignant moment in the life of our fellow sister Joliane Alves Lima: the profession of her perpetual vows!
The ceremony took place during a moving Eucharistic celebration on the eve of the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, presided over by Bishop Sebastião Bandeira (Diocese of Coroatá). Sr Maria Landsberger, Provincial Vicaress, accompanied by Sr Ingrid Schuler, Mission Procurator, had travelled as a representative of Sr Astrid Meinert to accept the profession. The ceremony was a joyful expression of faith, love and community and brought together sisters and brothers from various religious congregations, priests, family and friends who had come to prayerfully accompany Sister Joliane’s promise. It was a special joy that three Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate, among them the two provincial superiors Sr Sonia Maria Marchiori (Porto Alegre) and Sr. Naura Salate Alves da Silva (Sao Paulo), as well as Fr Antonio Junior Diogo SAC, the president of the NCC of the UAC in Brazil, had also made the long journey to join in celebrating this moment.
During the Mass, Bishop Sebastião Bandeira gave an inspiring homily in which he emphasised the importance of the vocation to religious life and Sister Joliane’s commitment to service and dedication. The Bishop’s message was an invitation to all to reflect on their own vocation and the role that each person plays in building the Kingdom of God.
After the homily, Sister Joliane renewed her commitment to the Lord and to the Pallottine community by taking her perpetual vows. The moment was characterised by great emotion and joy, and many people came to show their support and affection for our sister.
We thank the Lord for this vocation and pray that He will continue to bless and guide our Sister Joliane in her journey of service and dedication. We also thank our Bishop, Msgr Sebastião Bandeira, for his presence and always benevolent support of the Pallottine Sisters.
May this celebration be a moment of renewal and inspiration for us all. Congratulations, Sr Joliane!
Text: Sr. Maria Landsberger SAC
Photos: Equipe Pascom, Pastoral de Comunicação de Santa Terezinha, and Marcos Pereira
