‘I have loved you with an everlasting love’
Mercy Sister Phuong Dong receives her ring during her final profession of vows June 10 at Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont. (Photos provided by Bob Keenan)BELMONT — Hundreds watched as Sister Phuong Dong made her profession of perpetual vows as a Sister of Mercy June 10 at Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont.
Mercy Sister Eileen Campbell, director of new membership, welcomed those gathered while remarking on the unique gifts Sister Phuong brings to the order.
“Now, we know Phuong is quiet, but that in no way means that she is shy and retiring – although she’d like us to think so,” Sister Eileen said. “Phuong does her fair share of stirring things up in a good way, encouraging and motivating us.”
Sister Phuong’s parents, sister and extended family were present to witness her profession. They were joined by the Institute Leadership Team, Sisters of Mercy from the United States and the Philippines, and more than 500 people who viewed the ceremony online.
Father Paul Buchanan, pastor of Queen of the Apostles Parish in Belmont, began Mass with the sprinkling rite to remind all gathered of the promises made at baptism.
Mercy Sister Elizabeth Bui-Thi-Nghia read the first scripture passage in Vietnamese, followed by Mercy Sister Patricia Coward, who delivered the second reading in English.
Father Paul Buchanan offered the Mass for Sister Phuong Dong’s final profession of vows.During her instruction on the vows, Mercy Sister Denise Sausville began by noting that Sister Phuong’s profession was being held on the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.
“God has become one of us, in and through a body. The Eucharist reminds us of this,” Sister Denise said. “Today, Phuong, guided by the Holy Spirit, you are choosing to grow into your truth by living the life-form of consecrated religious life.”
She continued, “Within this life-form, you are pledging to live in a more focused and intense way the evangelical counsels – the three vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience – relying on God’s love and grace.”
At the June 10 event, Sister Phuong professed her vows in both English and Vietnamese, with Mercy Sisters Rose Marie Tresp and Joann Margaret Ury as witnesses.
She first entered the Sisters of Mercy in August 2012. Sister Phuong chose Jeremiah 31:3 as her motto, which is inscribed on her ring: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
— Catholic News Herald
