Five sisters of the Congregation of Saint Joseph of the Apparition (SJA) professed perpetual vows during a Solemn Profession Mass at the National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio in Sein Lam Village, Pyin Oo Lwin, on September 12, 2026, committing their lives to religious service in a celebration marked by joy, gratitude, and deep faith.

The Mass, celebrated at 9:00 a.m., was presided over by Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay Archdiocese, and attended by clergy, religious men and women, and Catholic faithful from across the Archdiocese of Mandalay and the Pyin Oo Lwin region.

The five sisters who made their final profession were Sr. Therese Ja Seng Nan, Sr. Lucy, Sr. Veronica Mar Sein, Sr. Monica, and Sr. Bibiana.

‘A Good Tree Bears Good Fruit’

In his homily, Archbishop Marco reflected on Jesus’ teaching that “a good tree bears good fruit,” linking the Gospel message to the vocation and witness of the newly professed sisters.

He also thanked their families for nurturing their vocations and encouraged the sisters to remain faithful to Christ throughout the challenges of religious life.

“The vow you make today is a promise sealed with loyalty and faith,” Archbishop Marco said, warning that their journey would include not only moments of joy but also “discouragement, solitude, and heavy crosses to bear.”

He urged the sisters to rely on God’s grace rather than their own strength and to become a source of light and guidance for others.

“Walk the path shown by Christ, strive to be lights that guide others,” he said, encouraging them to follow the example of Mary, who responded to God’s call: “I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.”

Journeys of Faith and Discernment

For the newly professed sisters, the ceremony marked the culmination of years of formation, discernment, and preparation for a lifelong commitment to religious service.

Sr. Veronica Mar Sein, from the Diocese of Lashio, said her vocation was shaped by her early experience living and working alongside religious sisters. A native of Lwel Mwe Village in northern Shan State, she became increasingly involved in pastoral ministry while studying at university.

She said the congregation’s spirit of care, equality, and community life helped her recognize her calling despite initial doubts and difficulties.

“I lacked the courage to overcome challenges on my own, but experiencing God’s grace and strength became my true foundation,” she said.

For Sr. Therese Ja Seng Nan, the desire to serve vulnerable children and young people who have lost hope was central to her decision to enter religious life.

“My final profession is my response to God’s call with my entire life, relying on His grace to keep this promise,” she said.

Sr. Lucy, who grew up near a Saint Joseph convent, said she was inspired to dedicate her life to serving poor communities wherever she might be sent on mission.

“Challenges are unavoidable, but I can overcome them through God’s grace,” she said. “I am deeply joyful to give my whole life for His mission.”

Sr. Monica said she was drawn to the communal life of religious sisters and credited her parents with helping her discern her vocation. She said she hopes to devote her apostolic ministry particularly to impoverished families living in marginalized and less-developed areas.

A Lifelong Commitment

For the five sisters, the Solemn Profession Mass marked the culmination of years of formation, discernment, and preparation. Their perpetual vows represent a lifelong commitment to religious service and to carrying out the mission of the Congregation of Saint Joseph in communities across Myanmar.

The Congregation of Saint Joseph, founded to serve the poor and marginalized, continues to be a vital presence in the Catholic Church in Myanmar, with sisters serving in education, healthcare, pastoral ministry, and community development.

As the newly professed sisters embark on their lifelong journey of service, they carry with them the prayers and support of their families, their congregation, and the faithful who witnessed their commitment.

By RVA Myanmar Service