LITURGY of ACCEPTANCE to the NOVITIATE
The Liturgy of Acceptance to the Novitiate for our three pre-novices was celebrated on September 14, 2024, the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross, at Christine Hall in Quezon City. Our new novices—Sr. Maria Amabell Bonete, Sr. Mary Lorejane Largado, and Sr. Mary James Binarao—chose the theme: “Pagyakap sa Krus ng Pag-ibig ng Mabuting Pastol” (Embracing the Cross of the Love of the Good Shepherd).
The liturgy was attended by the sisters from various communities in the 1043 compound, along with partners in mission and friends. Sr. Maureen Catabian, their pre-novitiate directress, gave the introduction, presenting the three candidates. They were formally accepted as novices, receiving the medals and the OLCGS Constitution from Sr. Mary Susan Montano, Province Leader, assisted by Sr. Mary Lea Comia, Novice Directress.
Sr. Amabell hails from Albay and was a former social worker at our Bukid Kabataan Center in General Trias, Cavite. Sr. Mary James, a youth leader at the St. Joseph Shrine Parish in Quezon City, previously volunteered in our Vocation Ministry. Sr. Lorejane, from Oriental Mindoro, worked as a tutor at our former Ruhama Center for Girls before entering the convent.
During the liturgy, the three novices shared how they had experienced the love of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, particularly during their time in the pre-novitiate. They spoke of how this love has affirmed them and given them the courage to embrace the “cross of love” as they continue their journey. In response, they sang Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb”, expressing their unwavering faith in God amidst the challenges they face along the way.
As outlined in our constitution, “the novitiate is the novice’s preparation for religious life.” It is a time for the novices to be guided in understanding and living the essentials of a life of consecration for mission. The ritual concluded with heartfelt congratulations and assurances of prayer from the community.
This was a particularly joyful occasion, as it has been five years since the last novitiate acceptance. The sisters are filled with gratitude and joy to witness these young women dedicating themselves to the love of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
