First vows, First Communions at Santa Rosa 

Photo credit: Troy Abraham

By Candecy Burnett 

A daughter of Santa Rosa took her first vows as a Sister of the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara (SSVM) and some 50 young people from the area made their First Communion on August 23rd when the community of Santa Rosa, Region 1, celebrated its feast day of Saint Rose of Lima.

The feast day celebrations included a procession from the miraculous medal Chapel, Kumaka-Moruca back to the church while praying the holy rosary and singing hymns.

During the Mass close to 50 young boys and girls received Jesus for the first time as they made their First Holy Communion. Many of them, along with well-wishers, had travelled from nearby communities with their families for this special moment.

Also during the Mass Sister Mary Innocent Virgin, of the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara, who was born and raised in Santa Rosa, Moruca, professed her First Vows.

This is believed to be the first time a native of Santa Rosa has professed first vows as a Religious Sister in Santa Rosa.

Fr. Pedro Torrez, who was the main celebrant, spoke about the importance of following Christ and giving one's own self to him.

After his homily he blessed Sr. Innocent’s new veil, which she sewed herself.

Sr. Mary Innocent’s Superior, Sr. Maria de la Ascención de Jesús Maggiora, flew all the way from Ecuador for the special moment. After the blessing of the veil, she was the one to change Sr. Innocent's white veil - which meant she was a novice Sister - to the blue veil that symbolizes she is now a Professed Sister. The blue represents the Divinity of Christ.

Sr. Innocent, who came back to Guyana to spend some time with her family and make her first vows, returns to Ecuador soon to continue her studies.

After Mass there was a large reception held to celebrate Saint Rose of Lima on her feast day, the First Profession of vows of Sr. Innocent, and for the First Communion class of 2019.

There was much singing, snacks and sharing with parishioners.

                                     Photo credit: Joan Veira

                 Source: Catholic Standard 30th August, 2019.