On 28 June 2022, after the end of the retreat, the Gniezno community of Pallottine Sisters began the joyful celebration of the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, beginning with First Vespers, which was combined with the renewal of the Baptismal promises of Sr. M. Ewelina Nowaczyk. The service was presided over by Fr Andrzej Nowicki.
At 8 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament took place, prepared by the Junior Sisters. Not only the sisters but also Sr. Ewelina’s family who came to Gniezno that day prayed for her intention. In front of the Lord Jesus hidden in the white Host, we gave thanks for the gift of life and vocation of our novice, for the gifts and talents God had placed in her, and we asked for the necessary graces for her apostolic mission, especially through the intercession of Mary Queen of Apostles.
On the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, at 11 a.m., the Eucharist with the rite of First Religious Profession began. The prelude to the celebration was the presentation of the candidate. The Mass was presided over by Bishop Radosław Orchowicz. The co-celebrants were priests who come to say Masses in the Gniezno community and visiting priests. The ceremony was attended also by friends from the UAC and girls from Wyszków, who had participated in a retreat led, among others, by Sr. Ewelina a few months earlier.
During his homily, the Bishop referred to several quotations from St Vincent Pallotti and wished that God’s love be the driving force behind all of Sr. Ewelina’s activities. He also referred to the significance of the Cross, which Sister received as a sign of the vows she had taken, and stressed that the Cross is not an adornment, but is a reality that hurts and at the same time reminds us how great was the price of our salvation.
Right after the homily, Sr. Ewelina Nowaczyk loudly pronounced the vow formula in front of the gathered community members and guests. She received the signs of her profession: a black veil with roses – symbols of the five wounds of the Lord Jesus, a cross and Our Way of Life. Then she was officially welcomed by the Provincial Superior, Sr. M. Iwona Nadziejko SAC as a member of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate.
Holy Communion was followed by a beautiful thanksgiving of Sr. Ewelina – first to the Lord Jesus and Mary (combined with entrusting herself to them), and then to the Bishop, Priests, Provincial Council, sisters, family and friends. After Mass, all the participants walked to the hall to wish Sr Ewelina God’s blessing. The celebration continued in the refectory, where there was a festive meal accompanied by an introduction of the guests. There was also a short recreation in the theatre hall. All watched a welcome video made by Junior Sisters as well as a video of Sr Ewelina dancing with young people during their retreat. And no wonder – this danced vocation and wedding could not do without a few finesse steps.
We wish Sr Ewelina, our newly professed Sister, that she could dance the dance of joy and gratitude to God for her religious vocation unceasingly, and that in her spiritual journey she could be led by the best Dancer in the world – God himself.
Sr. M. Katarzyna Gruca, SAC
Photos: Sr. Monika Graw, SAC
