Last September 14, 2026, on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we joyfully witnessed the First Profession of Vows of our three novices: Sr. Mary James Binarao from Quezon City, Sr. Maria Amabell Bonete from Albay, and Sr. Mary Lorejane Largado from Oriental Mindoro. The celebration was presided by the Most Rev Elias Ayuban Jr, Bishop of Cubao. The theme: “Dakilang Pag-ibig, Pasasalamat, Pag-aalay”.
Sr. MJ, a youth leader from St. Joseph Shrine in the Diocese of Cubao was a volunteered at the Good Shepherd Convent in Quezon City before she decided to enter the convent. Sr. Amabell and Sr. LJ also worked in Good Shepherd ministries before entering religious life. Sr. Amabell was a social worker at Bukid Kabataan Center in General Trias, Cavite, while Sr. Lorejane worked as an academic tutor at the Ruhama Center for Girls in Quezon City.
All three began their Aspirancy in 2022, entered the Prenovitiate in 2023, and underwent Novitiate formation from 2024 to 2026. During the second year of their Novitiate, they gained apostolic mission experience in different communities: Sr. LJ in Baguio City, Sr. MJ in Thailand, and Sr. Amabell in Vietnam.
Let us look back on this grace-filled day and hear from our newly professed sisters as they share their experiences of making their First Profession and adjusting to their new mission assignments.
Can you recall how you felt on the day of your First Profession? What special significance did it hold for you to celebrate this milestone on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross?
Sr Amabell: On the day of my profession, I experienced mixed emotions of excitement and deep joy at the same time. It was a special moment because, finally, I was making the biggest commitment of my life: to be consecrated to God. I felt an inner courage and joy as I said my “Yes,” not just privately but in the presence of the significant people in my life. Having our first profession of vows on the feast of the triumph of the cross was special because it was a reminder for me that the greatest expression of love is the “cross”. It is a continuous invitation for me to love as Jesus loves.
Sr LJ: I was very happy that day because, for me, it was like a wedding with the Lord. It was a moment of joy as I finally made my commitment to Him through my First Profession. What made it even more meaningful was celebrating it on the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross. It reminded me that my vocation is rooted in God’s love, a love that gives itself completely. It also reminds me that I am called to love as Jesus loves me—to love generously, to give myself to others, and to remain faithful even when it is not easy. As I look back on that day, I see my profession not just as a beautiful celebration, but as the beginning of a deeper journey of loving God and allowing His love to shape the way I live and serve every day.
Sr MJ: I felt very happy, deeply grateful, and truly blessed. Celebrating my First Profession on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was especially meaningful because it reflected the journey I had taken so far. I had encountered many crosses along the way, yet I was still here—choosing to remain, to love, and to embrace the mission God had entrusted to me. For me, it was truly a triumph of the Cross—not because the struggles had disappeared, but because God had faithfully sustained me through them. The celebration reminded me that my YES is possible only because of His grace.
What stood out for you during the celebration? Were there any words from the liturgy or the Bishop’s message that stayed with you long after the celebration?
Sr Amabell: The homily of Bishop Elias Ayuban reminded me to always fix my gaze on Jesus on the Cross and to look at the Cross in both moments of joy and difficulty. As he further said, “The One who calls you is the One who sustains you… The Shepherd who called you will always walk with you.”
Sr LJ: The reminder that the Cross shows how much God loves us, without holding anything back. He also asked if we are willing to love in the same way. His words about surrendering our own plans, preferences, and desire for control reminded me that saying yes to God also means learning to let go and trust Him.
When we were pronouncing our vows, I honestly had goosebumps. I could really feel the sacredness of that moment. The words, “It is no longer about me. It is about Christ,” became more real to me.
Sr MJ: Bishop Eli’s reflection on the open arms of Jesus on the Cross. God’s love is never closed; it reaches out and embraces all. This image touched me deeply and reminded me to remain open to the people I encounter, to the needs of others, and to God’s plans, even when they are different from my own. I realized more deeply that this was my commitment to God—a gift of my whole life to Him and to His mission. I was reminded that the One who calls me is also the One who faithfully sustains me.
The presence of family members, friends, and loved ones made the occasion even more special. What touched you most about having them there?
Sr Amabell: The presence of many of my family members, relatives, and friends who came all the way from Bicol and other places made the celebration memorable and special.
Sr LJ: What made my First Profession extra special was having my whole family complete that day. They made an effort to come from Mindoro, Cavite, and Laguna, including my nieces, nephew, and in-laws. Seeing them all together made my heart so full, and I felt truly grateful. One of the most unforgettable moments was when my parents accompanied me to the altar. It was an emotional moment because, as I took this new step in my life, I was able to feel their love and support in such a special way. It made me realize how blessed I am to have a family who continues to support me as I follow God’s call
Sr MJ: I felt deeply loved and reminded that I was not alone in this journey. Although my grandmother was hospitalized at that time, my family did everything they could to be present and share in my joy. Some of my friends even took leave from work simply to celebrate with me. Seeing their happiness, sacrifices, and support touched my heart profoundly. Through their presence, I experienced God’s love and the beautiful gift of people who continue to walk with me, especially during both joyful and difficult moments.
One of the most anticipated moments of the celebration was the missioning, during which Sr. Mary Susan Montano, RGS, Province Leader of the Philippines–Japan Province, announced the sisters’ first mission assignments as Good Shepherd Sisters. As they waited for the announcement, the three sisters sat close together in the front pew, their excitement reminiscent of Miss Universe finalists awaiting the results!
Sr. Amabell was assigned to the Good Shepherd Sisters Villa Maria in Cebu – Our Lady of Peace Community, Sr. Mary James to the Heart of Mary Villa in Quezon City and Sr. Lorejane to St. Bridget College in Batangas, both part of the Our Lady of Hope Community.
How did you feel when you received your mission assignment, and how have you been adjusting to your assigned community over the past few weeks?
Sr Amabell: When it was announced that I would be assigned to Cebu, I felt happy and excited because, for me, it meant something new – a new place, a new ministry, a new dialect, and new people. Now that I am here, I am still adjusting while also dealing with the concerns about my father who is sick. Yet, in this moment, I am assured that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is walking with me.
Sr LJ: I was surprised when my assignment was announced, but I was also very happy because Batangas has always been my second home. It was one of my heart’s desires, so I received it with excitement and gratitude. Now that I am here at SBC, I am happy and slowly adjusting. I am also realizing that my life has changed, my priorities are different, and I have a new community and mission to embrace. I cannot always do the things I used to do or see the people I want whenever I want. I am learning to make space for my responsibilities and to be more present to the people entrusted to me.
Sr MJ: At first, I was surprised because I had expected to be assigned far from my hometown. However, surprise gave way to gratitude and joy as I began getting to know the Sisters and experiencing another face of community life. I am especially thankful that my assignment allows me to visit and care for my grandmother during her illness. Through this experience, I am learning that God’s plans may unfold differently from my own, yet they often carry a grace I could not have anticipated. I am being invited to receive His will with trust and an open heart.
After this First YES, what do you sense God is inviting you to embrace as a newly professed sister?
Sr Amabell: As I take my first apostolic mission, God is inviting me to have the heart of a Shepherd who searches, embraces and accompanies the least and the last.
Sr LJ: God is inviting me to be more open, to trust Him, and to embrace the process of becoming. I am learning that what matters most is not what I can accomplish externally, but the person I am becoming. I don’t always have to prove myself because I am already God’s beloved daughter. I just need to remain open to His grace and allow Him to transform me through the people I meet and the experiences I encounter.
Sr MJ: I sense God’s invitation to remain open, to discern continually, and to keep asking, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” I am learning not to hold too tightly to my own plans, but to trust that His wisdom is greater than mine. Amid my family concerns and the crosses I carry, I am invited to believe that God will continue to sustain me, just as He has done throughout my journey. I may not have all the answers, but I want to keep listening to the Holy Spirit and allow the Good Shepherd to shape my heart, deepen my compassion, and prepare me for the mission entrusted to me.
In this age of endless options and possibilities, why should a young woman consider discerning a vocation to consecrated life?
Sr Amabell: Young women should consider religious life and discover that there is another path in life that can offer real meaning and joy that only God can give.
Sr LJ: Religious life is a beautiful vocation because it has helped me know myself more deeply. I have discovered gifts I never knew I had, but I have also learned to face my own issues and acknowledge the areas in myself that need healing and growth. I have experienced things I never thought I could do and learned to face challenges with God’s grace. For me, responding to God’s call has never been a loss, because He continues to teach me, help me grow, and lead me to become the person He calls me to be.
Sr MJ: Religious life is an invitation to pause, listen deeply, and discover what God desires for our lives. My own journey taught me that we do not need to have everything figured out before saying YES. We only need the courage to take the next step and the humility to allow God to lead us. It is not without struggles, but it is a beautiful journey of knowing God more deeply, discovering who we are, and offering our lives in loving service to others. As a Good Shepherd Sister, I am still learning to say YES each day.
Indeed, our Good Shepherd has made known to our three sisters His great love—His “Dakilang Pag-ibig”. With hearts overflowing with “pasasalamat”, they have courageously said YES and consecrated themselves to the Lord through their “pag-aalay.”
We thank the Lord for the gift of their vocations. Let us continue to pray for them and for many more young women who are discerning their call, that they, too, may be touched by God’s love and accept His invitation to share that love with others.
PHOTO CREDITS: San Joseph Shrine – SocCom
