Fifteen women from Indonesia and Vietnam made their perpetual profession in the Congregation of the Franciscan Daughters of St. Elizabeth during a Eucharistic celebration at the Church of Ognissanti in Florence, Central Italy, on June 27.
The newly professed sisters, nine from Indonesia and six from Vietnam, took their lifelong vows before Mother Paola Yucra Solano, Superior General of the congregation.
Archbishop Gherardo Gambelli of Florence presided over the Mass, concelebrated by about 30 priests. Among them were Bishop Emeritus Rodolfo Cetoloni of Grosseto, General Assistant of the congregation, Friar Guido Fineschi, Provincial Minister of the Friars Minor in Tuscany, and Friar Antonio Picciallo, Provincial Minister of the Capuchin Friars Minor.
Indonesia’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Michael Trias Kuncahyono, also attended the celebration in support of the Indonesian sisters.
In his homily, Archbishop Gambelli reflected on the meaning of the sisters’ commitment, particularly their promise “to do penance, to serve God and the Church faithfully until death.”
He explained that the biblical understanding of penance refers to metanoia—a change of heart and mind that leads to a new way of living.
Drawing from the biblical account of Abraham’s call, the archbishop said consecrated life begins with a willingness to set out in faith and to trust God’s guidance. He encouraged the sisters to remain open to continual conversion through prayer and attentive listening to God’s word.