In a solemn ceremony filled with joy and gratitude, Sister Angelina Naw Nan Aye of the Congregation of Sisters of the Providence offered her perpetual vows on Monday, October 5, 2026, consecrating her entire life to the religious vocation at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in the Diocese of Kengtung.

Bishop John Saw Yaw Han of Kengtung Diocese presided over the Holy Mass, concelebrated with participating priests, as the faithful gathered in prayer to witness the sister’s lifelong commitment to Christ.

‘A Day of Great Joy and Gratitude’

In his homily, the Bishop shared words of spiritual encouragement, expressing that this was a day of great joy and gratitude not only for the religious congregation but also for the Diocese of Kengtung, the Mother Catholic Church, and the entire community.

He expressed his gratitude to Sr. Angelina’s parents and relatives for their generous gift, as well as to the sisters who accompanied, supported, and formed her from her time as an aspirant up to her final profession.

Lessons on the Vow of Poverty

Reflecting on the Vow of Poverty, the Bishop shared the life experience of Cardinal Lorenzo from the United States. During his time as a university student specializing in history in Washington, D.C., the Cardinal would drive 14 hours home during school breaks. Halfway through the drive, he used to spend the night at a Dominican monastery.

He noticed the room of an elderly priest with whom he was acquainted, which contained only a crucifix, a few holy pictures, a study desk, some books, and a bed. He asked why the room was so simple. The priest replied, “What more do I need? I have everything I require.”

The student remarked again how remarkably simple the room was. The priest then asked, “What is in your room?” The student answered, “A single suitcase.” The priest said, “So in your room, you also have only one bag of clothes that you need, don’t you?” The student replied that since he was only a guest, he had just one suitcase.

The priest answered, “I, too, am merely a guest in this world. As long as I have what is necessary to live, it is complete, and I do not need to worry about unnecessary things.”

Reflecting deeply on these words, the student weighed the academic knowledge he had pursued for years against the practical wisdom shown by the priest, wondering which was deeper and more complete—an experience that contributed to him becoming a minister of the Church today.

The Bishop exhorted that the sister taking her vows must imitate Christ, who had no personal home, no personal business, and not even a tomb to be buried in. Living in a world where the poor outnumber the rich, embracing voluntary poverty allows one to empathize more deeply with the poor. Lacking material self-sufficiency prompts one to rely more closely on God.

Quoting Pope Alexander, he reminded that what matters most is not “what I have,” but “how I benefit the people around me.”

The Vow of Obedience and Chastity

Regarding the Vow of Obedience, the Bishop shared another experience from Cardinal Lorenzo’s time as a spiritual director for seminarians. When he asked a seminarian what difficulty he was facing, the student replied, “My difficulty is that I do not know what to listen to.”

Therefore, praying to discern and obey God’s will is crucial. Prayer involves both speaking to God and listening to His voice. If missionaries do not listen to God in prayer, it will be difficult for them to obey human superiors.

The Bishop emphasized that prayer consists not only of vocal or active forms—such as praying the Rosary or attending Mass—but even more deeply of quiet contemplation: listening to God’s voice, meditating, focusing on the living presence of Christ, and walking alongside Him.

Regarding the Vow of Chastity, the Bishop preached that one must model their life after Christ, living centered purely on God’s ministry and salvation work. By renouncing married and family life, one frees oneself from personal family anxieties, remaining readily available to meet the needs of the Church.

A Lifelong Commitment

Following the homily, Sr. Naw Nan Aye professed her vows before the entire congregation, pledging to remain faithful and persevere to the end, taking Christ as her spouse.

Afterwards, the Superior Sister of the congregation delivered words of thanks, and breakfast was served to all who participated in the holy mass.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone not only in Sr. Angelina’s personal journey of faith but also for the Congregation of Sisters of the Providence and the Diocese of Kengtung, which continues to nurture vocations to religious life.

By RVA Akha Service