Sister Monica Navalta professes vows in the Holy Land

THE HOLY LAND (08-20-2007) - Sister Monica Navalta pronounced vows of chastity, poverty and obedience at a special Mass held at the Primacy of Peter Church in the Holy Land on the Sea of Galilee on August 20, 2007. Mother Shaun Vergauwen, FSE, Mother General received Sister's vows standing near the rock in the sanctuary of the small, rustic church. The rock symbolizes St. Peter, the rock on which the Catholic Church was built. Peter, the fisherman, was named by Christ as head of the apostles, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church."

The Mass for Sister Monica's vows was a significant part of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land for the Franciscan Sisters in formation, the Franciscan Brothers and formation directresses. Mother Shaun Vergauwen led the pilgrimage. Reverend Christopher Mahar of the Diocese of Providence accompanied the group on pilgrimage and celebrated the Mass of Profession of Vows.