“Poverty Has Many Forms,” Says Superior General as Bangladeshi Nun Makes Profession

“Poverty has many forms. Poverty is not limited to material deprivation,” said Sr. Alphonsa, SCV, Superior General of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, as she urged religious women to recognize and serve Christ in people who are sick, marginalized, neglected, lonely and vulnerable.

She was speaking at the First Profession of Sr. Mary John, who made her religious profession with the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at Mymensingh Cathedral Parish in central Bangladesh on August 7.

Sr. Alphonsa traveled from Korea to attend the celebration, joined by sisters from Korea and the Philippines, religious from different congregations serving in the Diocese of Mymensingh, priests, Sister Mary John’s family and several hundred faithful.

Reflecting on the congregation’s spirituality, Sister Alphonsa said its mission is rooted in discovering Christ in the poor and following the example of St. Vincent de Paul by serving those most in need.

“The spirituality of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul is centered on discovering Christ in the poor by following the example of Saint Vincent de Paul and serving the Lord through service to those in need,” she said.

She emphasized that the congregation’s understanding of poverty extends beyond material hardship.

“Those who are sick, marginalized, neglected, lonely, and vulnerable in society are also in need of our love, compassion, and service,” she said, recalling Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Sr. Alphonsa described Sr. Mary John’s profession as both a personal commitment and a blessing for the Church and the congregation.

“Today, the Lord God has bestowed a special and glorious blessing upon the Church and our congregation,” she said. “In the presence of all of you, Sr. Mary John has professed the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience according to the teachings of the Gospel.”

She encouraged the newly professed sister to remain faithful to her vocation, assuring her that God would guide her throughout her journey.

The Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul have served in Bangladesh since 2006, when the congregation began its ministry in the Diocese of Mymensingh at the Saint Vincent de Paul Sick Centre. Their ministry focuses on people who are poor, suffering, marginalized and in need.

During the August 7 celebration, Bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi presided at the Eucharist and thanked God for Sr. Mary John’s vocation.

“I thank God because He has chosen Sister Mary John from among us to proclaim His Word and serve His people,” he said, expressing confidence that she would faithfully live the congregation’s charism and serve the Church.

Sr. Mary John, in turn, expressed gratitude for her vocation and asked the faithful for their prayers.

“I thank God because God has called me to work in His vineyard,” she said. “Please pray for me so that I may remain faithful to my religious vocation and serve the community with dedication.”

For the congregation, her First Profession represents a new step in its continuing mission in Bangladesh: offering one’s life to God while encountering Christ in those most in need.