Religious makes perpetual vows in joy-filled ceremony

Echoing the words of the prophet Samuel when he discerned the call of Christ, a jubilant young woman stood before a church of believers and uttered eight life-changing words.

“Lord, you have called me. Here I am,” said Sister of Jesus Our Hope Anna Palka, speaking her Perpetual Vows Sept. 7 before friends, family and fellow religious in St. Mary of Mount Virgin Church, New Brunswick. Bishop James F. Checchio served as principal celebrant of the Mass and rite which would define the young woman’s path of faith, service to the Church and community.

An acolyte swinging a censer with tendrils of incense curling upwards led the procession into the nearly-100-year-old church. Dozens of fellow clergy eager to celebrate her God-centered decision preceded the Bishop’s entrance, including Father Jonathan Toborowsky, vicar general and moderator of the Curia, and Father Michael Fragoso, pastor of Parish of the Visitation, New Brunswick, of which St. Mary is a worship site.

“I read somewhere that hope is not conviction that something will turn out well, but rather, it is the certainty something makes sense regardless how it turns out,” the Bishop said. Noting that the future religious sister made The Catholic Center at Rutgers University her spiritual home while an undergraduate, he continued, “You responded to God’s invitation. Despite attending a campus with about 60,000 people, you were able to find a quiet space. God will never forget you or leave you alone. You are called to make Christ present in our world.”

Bishop Checchio questioned Sister Anna, who asserted she was ready to assume the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. “I ask for perseverance in following Christ my bridegroom in this religious community all the days of my life,” she said, the congregation erupting in applause. The Bishop prayed, “May almighty God grant you his grace to fulfill what you have resolved.”

The shepherd continued his queries whether the religious sister would “strive steadfastly to perfection,” and “spend your whole life in generous service to God’s people.” Each time, she answered in a clear, confident voice, “I am.” Vowing chastity, poverty and obedience for the rest of her life, Sister Anna was given a simple gold ring to be worn to signify Christ is her Bridegroom.

Fellow Sister of Jesus Our Hope Christine Quense expressed joy at the addition of the young religious, calling her “made for our community.” She continued, “Sister Anna has served joyfully in bringing our charism of hope in Christ to so many young people at the RU Catholic Center as well as to numerous adults and children she has met. In a very real sense, the Church stamps its seal on the action that the Holy Spirit has already been doing in Sister Anna’s heart for several years.

“We are so proud of Sister Anna, and we are so very grateful for her daring to say ‘yes’ to Jesus at a time in history when this is less popular and more misunderstood than ever,” Sister Christine said.