“Your new stage requires a total commitment”: Catholic Archbishop to Sisters at Perpetual Profession in Angola

“The decision made by the three Sisters professing Solemn Vows is the result of a journey that began with the Vocational Call and matured through formation, community life and discernment,” he said.

Archbishop Dias compared the development of a religious vocation to the growth of a seed, noting that First Vows are only the beginning of a longer journey toward maturity.

“First Vows constitute only the beginning of a journey that must be accompanied by time and experience, like a seed planted in the ground. The seed contains within itself the possibility of becoming a tree, but it needs the conditions to grow and bear fruit,” he said. 

The Catholic Church leader continued, “In the same way, a religious vocation requires perseverance to reach the maturity of Perpetual Profession.”

According to the Archbishop of Luanda, Perpetual Vows express “a mature and serene decision to remain in Consecrated Life” despite the difficulties, unforeseen circumstances and challenges that may arise.

“Definitive Profession means embracing the Congregation as a space for fulfilling one’s vocation and placing one’s gifts at the service of the mission entrusted to one,” he said.

Archbishop Dias urged the Sisters to ensure that their consecration becomes visible through their daily witness and service.

“This commitment must become visible in everyday life, because a consecrated person is called to bring to the environments where she is a presence capable of drawing others closer to God,” he said.

The Local Ordinary of Luanda added, “Your witness as Religious Sisters should be recognized not only through your words, but also through the way you live, serve and treat those you encounter.”

Archbishop Dias, who began his Episcopal Ministry as Auxiliary Bishop of Luanda in January 2004, further reminded the Sisters that Perpetual Profession commits their entire existence to the mission of the Church and to the particular spirituality of their Congregation.