The call to a religious life is one to be embraced with joy, as seeking God is the focus and goal, says Most Reverend Julius Kundi, Bishop of Kafanchan.

The mission of a professed Sister is to witness Christ to the world explained the Bishop. “It is not self-seeking” but a continuous search for God, and obedience to His command.

Most Reverend Kundi made this assertion during the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima in a ceremony of First Profession of Vow of six novices from Our Lady of Fatima Sisters Novitiate, Kuru, Jos.

Adorned in white garments and white and light blue habit, Sisters Eunice Gesipak Simon, Charity Shekwoduza Bawa, Elizabeth Amarin Paul, Joy Enyone Paul, Juliana Chundung Gyang and Joy Simi Chomo offered themselves as spouses of Jesus Christ as they took their first vow.

The Bishop remarked that there has to be a deliberate detachment from the world and faithful to the vows taken in order to attain the fidelity which Jesus Christ their spouse, assures would be rewarded with His abiding presence.  

Noting the nature of human fallibility, he cautioned the professed Sisters to keep their gazes on God adding that their call does not protect them from “temptation, destruction and lures of the world.” And when that happens, “get up as quickly as you can” he further advised. 

“For the sake of the newly found love and knowledge, Elisha practically and completely detached himself with his past including things he had held so dear to embrace a new life and a new beginning with much joy and enthusiasm.

“The same we can say with the 70 chosen disciples by Christ that were sent into the vineyard primarily to win souls back to Christ; they left everything and obeyed.”

He urged them to let their responses to this call resonate with that of St. Paul to show “your inner desires and convictions to know Christ.”

Bishop Kundi encouraged them to remain faithful to the call, adding that it becomes a burden only when still holding on and enticed by the things of the world. Not letting go of their past he said, would deny them a closer relationship with Christ their spouse.  

In no way does the call “diminish” their personality he said. “Rather, this call makes it possible in the imitation of Mary in the work of redemption.”

Reiterating the statement made by St. Paul in Phil 3:8 that “for now, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowledge of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” all is beneficial when God is the goal, his word the light, and his will the garment.

Bishop Kundi emphasized that “These vows do not constrain or limit your freedom; instead they make this freedom possible.” For the sake of the Kingdom of God they chose a life of chastity, poverty and obedience which predisposes them to free themselves from freedom of burden of possession, liberation from slavery to vice and the freedom to serve.  

“It is a way of life where God is the goal… His Word the light.” He urged them to embrace this new life with enthusiasm, courage and faith. “Because you believe, you will be sustained by the hands of a Father who welcomes and provides, for with God all things are possible.”  

The Bishop who mentioned he has had a very long relationship with the Fatima Sisters community, from his primary school days, expressed gratitude to God for giving him the opportunity to once more be among the family that cared for him and he appreciates.  

In an expression of intense enjoyment of the songs rendition by the young seminarians in their spiritual year and novices of the Fatima Sisters, he offered a cow for them to use in marking the Pentecost Sunday which comes up in five days. 

The professed Sisters shall renew their vows for the next five to six years before their final profession, said the superior General, Sr. Theresa Dung. She asked for prayers for them to be faithful to the Lord who has called them. 

The Superior General further added that a new page has opened in the life of the professed Sisters and the journey has started for them in the religious life. “They should remain focused in seeking Jesus”, by witnessing Him to the world.

The religious are known for pastoral work, health and education, but the most important aspect of the call is “seeking Jesus” as they move in the society, they witness value of Jesus indeed.” She disclosed.   

The event was attended by Superiors of Institute of consecrated lives, Very Reverend and Reverend Fathers, Very Reverend Sisters, parents, relatives of the celebrants, Fatima Sisters Association of Friends, and invited guests.