On August 5, 2024 in St. Joseph Chapel, Sr. Natalie Doummar, Sr. Jazmin Rangel, and Sr. Kaitlin Trokan made the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, becoming Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco. At the solemn liturgy, each received the cross inscribed with the initials F.M.A. - which stands for "Figlie Maria Ausiliatrice" (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians) and the Constitutions that will become their rule of life.
Here are their reflections on this beautiful day:
SR. NATALIE DOUMMAR
Sr. Jazmin Rangel, Sr. Kaitlin Trokan and I made our first professions as Daughters of Mary Help of Christians on August, 5th. The ceremony aptly began with a prelude hymn, the O Maria Vergine Potente prayer written by Don Bosco to Mary Help of Christians, asking Mary to be the protector of the Church and to receive us into heaven one day. Then was a moment of much emotion: walking down the aisle arm-in-arm with my parents, looking at the many smiling faces of the people from Canada and the Eastern United States who have supported me over the years, and joining in worship of God with the magnificent choir. I knew that we were also supported by many who could not be there in person but who were watching via livestream. Surrounded by my Sisters, I felt, I am home. I looked around, and reflected on my life and echoed with Don Bosco, “Mary has done everything.”
We professed our vows in the hands of Sr. Colleen Clair, our Provincial. Then, we received the Constitutions and the crucifix from the celebrant of the Mass, Fr. Dominic Tran, SDB. He said, “Receive the cross of the Lord Jesus. Clothe yourself in the crucified and risen Christ and serve him with a spouse’s fidelity in his Body which is the Church.” What a task, which each day, I must ask for God’s grace to fulfill!
My first assignment is at Our Lady of Sorrows in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The other day in church, I felt Jesus say in my heart, “Remember why you’re here.” I am here because Jesus and Mary, Help of Christians called me here. I am here because I love God and my neighbor. And I am here to serve the young and their families. So, in communion with my Sisters, let’s get to work!
SR. KAITLIN TROKAN
On August 5, I was able to meet Jesus at the altar in a special way and make my vows. When I look back on the beauty of that moment, I am grateful for the presence of my family, friends, and Sisters, but I’m most grateful to Jesus for calling me to this beautiful vocation
SR. JAZMIN RANGEL
The day of my first profession was a day of great joy and beauty. As the day unraveled, two things that two Sisters said stayed with me for the day: to be present and to ask God for big things, without limit, for everybody, anybody and all because this day was one of many graces. I felt loved and blessed as I was embraced by my Sisters and family members who had flown from Illinois just to see me, remembering with gratitude those who had celebrated with me virtually. I had read and studied the formula of our vows before, but taking my vows publicly? Now I get to live as a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians with my Sisters and with the young.