Primera Profesion Religiosa :

Nancy Gabriela Robledo y Ana del Valle Chavez

Ana and Nancy´s Profession day on the 6th of September was a day to remember. It was a cold, wet Saturday afternoon, but no one seemed to notice. The people said the rain was a symbol of blessing for these two women who were consecrating their lives to God and generously giving themselves to the service of God´s people.

On arrival at the Church, dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes in Cuartel V, (in the neighbourhood of our house in Mayor del Pino), there was a wonderful atmosphere of joy and celebration. The Church was beautifully adorned, the small white, lace curtains on all windows had been washed and pressed for the occasion. There were fresh flowers everywhere and a magnificient painting of the Gospel story of the anointing of Jesus, done specially for the occasion by a young woman in the neighbourhood, adorned the wall behind the altar.  The pathway into the Church had been white washed and a small  garden of newly planted flowers, in full bloom, appeared overnight!

The people had come from far and near for this occasion, some travelling almost fourteen hours by bus,  simply to witness these two women pronounce their vows.. There were many very moving moments during the Liturgy, the first of which was Nancy and Ana leading in the Entrance Procession,  each carrying a statue of the Virgin from their different Provinces, accompanied by their families, by the Sisters of the Region, the local Bishop and priests who would preside at the Eucharist.  Sr.Veronica Rafferty was invited to present a lighted candle in memory of her recently deceased mother R.I.P.   Veronica had just returned to Argentina, a few days after her mother´s funeral, so that she could be present at the Professions.

Before the proclamation of the Word young local dancers interpreted  the sacredness of that Word for all of us. After Communion Ana and Nancy´s  consecration to God and the giving of their lives to God´s people, was also celebrated by these graceful dancers, in a dance specially prepared for the occasion

It was also very moving to witness both mothers bless their daughters, with perfume, prepared by a woman from the neighbourhood, after the proclamation of the Gospel.( Luke 7: 36-50)

The homily was a shared homily. Mariana, a young woman, who works closely with the Sisters spoke of the perfume in the text and what that signifies today and then the Bishop spoke with great tenderness, conviction and challenge of the call to religious life.
The people´s appreciation of the Rite of Profession, its sacredness and significance for them was almost tangible and very palpable throughout the ceremony. It is always a very special and solemn moment too when the Sisters of the Region gather around those to be professed and sing unaccompanied the Veni Santi Espiritu.

Immediately after the Mass the party got under way with several groups showing us the beauty of their dance from the different Regions of Argentina and from the neighbouring country of Bolivia. There were barbecued chorizos,(pepperoni sausages) served on fresh bread, accompanied by soft drinks, enjoyed by hundreds of people. Later in the night  the delicious homemade Profession cake was cut and very much appreciated.

It was a wonderful occasion and a great blessing for all of us who were privileged to be present. We  felt the powerful presence of the whole Congregation throughout the celebration. Both Nancy and Ana  appreciated  the prayers and support of so many of you in the months leading up to the Profession and on the day itself. We know you will continue to pray for them and for all who are in initial formation at this time.

The following day there was a very symbolic moment as Silvana and Vicky welcomed Ana and Nancy to the post novitiate stage of initial formation! 

¡Felicidades Ana y Nancy. Que sean muy felices!.