Philippines: Twelve Young Women Profess First Vows as Franciscan Daughters of Saint Elisabeth

In a solemn ceremony held at Kimco Chapel on Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City, twelve young women professed their First Religious Profession as members of the Franciscan Daughters of Saint Elisabeth on December 6, 2025.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, OFM, Minister Provincial of the Franciscans in the Philippines.

Of the twelve newly professed sisters, two were from the Philippines: Julie Mae Dumaghan Bagalanon and Ziny Clemente Bantilan, both from Zamboanga Sibugay in Mindanao. Their formation journey began in the local community through the congregation’s “Come and See” program, a period of discernment and immersion in religious life.

The remaining ten newly professed sisters came from Indonesia: Alfonsa Moi, Fransiska Dariel, Fransiska Mau Rema, Faustina Baghor, Maria Agustina Nurhayati, Maria Helena Avera Borgias, Maria Carina Dhone Kabe, Maria Baptista Varani Dhungan Reo, Maria Goreti Maumabe, and Maria Marlinda Saijao. All of them are from Flores, a strongly Catholic region in eastern Indonesia. After their initial formation in Ruteng, they arrived in Manila in 2023 and completed their two-year novitiate at the congregation’s International Formation Center, “Fr. Francesco Saverio Bazzoffi.”

Having professed their First Vows, the twelve young women now begin their life as Franciscan missionaries, embracing the call to serve the Church and those most in need according to the Franciscan charism.

In his homily, Fr. Redoblado reminded the newly professed sisters that their First Profession is not merely a ceremony, but the day God seals them as His own. He emphasized that their vocation is a gift from God, who called each of them personally by name. He invited them to walk with Christ, for Christ, and in Christ as they begin their consecrated life. Every vow they profess, he said, is a declaration that: “Lord, You are enough for me.”

Focusing on the call to evangelize, Fr. Redoblado highlighted the importance of life witness. He exhorted the newly professed sisters to love one another as true sisters, seeing their community as God’s gift. Finally, he urged them not to be afraid to let their light shine, encouraging them to bring Christ to the world with courage and humility.

Mother Paola Yucra Solano, FSE, Superior General, expressed deep gratitude for the twelve young women, reminding them that their vows are offered to God, for the Church, and especially for the little ones close to the heart of Jesus. She encouraged them to remain close to God each day, calling their generous “yes” a precious gift to the congregation and to the whole Church. She assured the newly professed that in their perseverance, God Himself will sustain their joy and mission of bringing His tenderness to those most in need.

Founded in 1888 by Elizabeth Casci in the Diocese of Fiesole, Italy, the Franciscan Daughters of Saint Elisabeth continue their mission of living the Franciscan spirit through contemplation, service to the poor, care for orphans and the sick, and the formation of youth. Now in their 137th year, they serve in Italy, Bolivia, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Israel, Vietnam, and Madagascar, with their General House in Florence, Italy.

Following the Mass, a simple fraternal gathering brought together families, friends, and members of the Franciscan community in thanksgiving for the gift of these new religious missionaries.