On the morning of June 14, 2025, in the chapel of the Gospel of Life Congregation, Bishop Joseph Đỗ Mạnh Hùng of the Diocese of Phan Thiet, Viet Nam, presided over the Holy Mass and the Rite of Religious Profession for 11 nuns, five of whom made their first profession, while six professed perpetual vows.
Celebrating with Bishop Joseph were Fr. Peter Nguyễn Xuân Anh, chaplain of the Gospel of Life Congregation, along with priests from within and outside the diocese, superiors of various congregations, male and female religious, benefactors, and the families and friends of the sisters.
In his homily, Bishop Joseph emphasized the profound meaning of the consecrated vocation. He said, “A vocation does not begin today or from the moment the sisters knocked on the door of the convent; it begins from the heart of God.”
He encouraged the sisters to remain in Christ by keeping His word, living the evangelical counsels radically, and becoming signs of the Gospel and life in a world thirsting for hope.
The bishop added, “Jesus does not choose the capable, but He consecrates those He loves. The sisters professing vows today are not doing so because they are worthy, but because they have been lovingly chosen and called by God to enter into eternal love.”
Following the homily, the rites for the first and perpetual professions were celebrated reverently and solemnly.
Each sister came forward to respond, “Here I am, Lord, You have called me,” as a sign of their free and faithful response to the divine call. For the sisters making their first profession, white veils were replaced with black ones—symbolising total belonging to Christ and a life wholly dedicated to Him.
A distinctive element in the perpetual profession ceremony of the Gospel of Life Congregation is the presentation of the Bible alongside the covenant ring. This gesture serves as a reminder for the sisters to continually reflect on, live, and proclaim the Gospel through their daily lives, allowing the Word of God to be their light and strength in mission.
The profession Mass concluded with the bishop’s blessing and resounding applause from the gathered faithful in celebration of the sisters’ commitment.
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