Sister Maria Serra Garcia makes vows

MERIDEN, CT (9-25-2005) - Sister Maria Serra Garcia pronounced vows of chastity, poverty and obedience at a Mass celebrated by Reverend Randall Blackall at the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist's chapel with the Meriden community of Sisters present, as well as Sister Bernardone Rock of Duluth and Sister Helen Jean Brinkman of Bridal Veil, Oregon.

With this step, Sister Maria Serra completed her two-year novitiate and enters more actively the community's apostolate in Meriden. Sister serves older persons in their homes through home visitation and assessing their needs for services available in the region. She is also completing a Masters in Business Administration at Southern Connecticut State University.

As a communion meditation, Sister Maria Serra sang a hymn she composed using the words of St. Augustine, "Late have I loved thee, O beauty ever ancient, ever new."

Sister Maria Serra pronounces her vows into the hands of Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Mother General.	Sister Maria Serra signs the Statement of Vows for the official Community records as Mother Shaun looks on.
Father Randall Blackall gives Sister Maria Serra the blessing of the Church.	Sister Maria Serra received a knotted cincture to wear. Three knots symbolize the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. She also received the community insignia, a cross of nails with a circle of wire representing the Cross of Christ and the circle of the Eucharist.

Photos © Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist