As the autumn sun rose on the eve of the Solemnity of Christ the King, Sister Mary Ana of the Divine Mercy stepped into the sanctuary for the final time as one betrothed, only to emerge as the Bride of Christ.

Years of prayerful discernment ...

Years of listening to His gentle, unceasing Call ...

Leading her to this profound moment.

At the foot of the altar, with her soul’s gaze lifted heavenward, her heart met His in the echo of her surrender.

Her “Yes” filled the heavens, mirroring the fiat of the New Eve.

Here, heaven touched earth.

Here, Eternity embraced her soul in an unbreakable bond of Divine Love.

For as many ordinations and professions of vows as I’ve witnessed, the awe of His call never fades.

Today, Sister Mary Ana’s “Yes” reminds us that we are all called to respond to Him.

It’s a call that echoes to us all:

To the Sisters who live within these cloistered walls.

To the Priests and Deacons gathered here.

And to each of us, every single day.

Every one of us is called — uniquely and unrepeatably — to our role in the Body of Christ.

Whether to religious life, the sacrament of marriage, or another path, His Call beckons us to live the Gospel and to share His Mercy and Love through the gifts He has given us.

So, pray for guidance.

Pray for courage.

Pray for the Grace to say “Yes.”

Sister Mary Ana’s “Yes!”

Mary’s “Yes!”

Because when you do, your life will be transformed beyond measure …

With Joy.

With Hope.

With Peace.

And with Love.

Eternally.