By Sisters of St Francis Sarawak (SSFS)
KOTA PADAWAN — On Sunday, 19 November 2023, at St Ann’s Church, Kota Padawan, Sr Clothilda Delicia Francis Xavier Klumai and Sr Teresa Evelyn Lyn Herczston Ak Thomas professed perpetual vows as Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak.
Perpetual Profession marks the beginning of their total commitment to follow Christ more closely in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi through a life of Poverty, Obedience and Chastity as Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak.
By Perpetual Profession, they become a full member of this Congregation, enjoying all its rights, and partake in all its responsibilities. In the Perpetual Profession, they say that they truly belong to this family and the mission of Jesus for them is truly realised and manifested.
Sr Clothilda Delicia, a Melanau from Kampung Tanam, Dalat was born in 1984. She is the youngest of a brood of four born to Francis Xavier Klumai and Elizabeth Senari Buyun. Before entering religious life, she worked for six years in Food Technology.
Sr Teresa Evelyn Lyn Herczston, born in 1979, is a Bidayuh and is the eldest of seven children of Thomas Daling and Catherine Raung, from Kampung Saan, Tebedu. She worked as an Immigration officer for twelve years before answering God’s call.
The Rite of Perpetual Profession begins with the calling forth of the Sister. Sister is then asked to publicly acknowledge that she freely chooses to make the Profession. The Sister making the Profession kneels before the Superior General; given a lighted candle, she pronounces her Perpetual Profession. Sister then kisses The Book of the Gospel as a sign of her commitment and covenant.
The Archbishop goes towards the table and blesses the ring before presenting it to the Sister. The Archbishop puts the ring on the Sister’s finger, “I espouse you to Jesus Christ, the Son of the Almighty Father, and may He keep you ever in His love. Receive this Ring of Faith and Fidelity, the sign of the Holy Spirit, that you may be called the spouse of God…’’
Sealing their total commitments, the two newly professed Sisters signed the Document of Profession in the presence of Sr Rose Wong the Superior General, and two witnesses Sr Irmina Peter and Sr Catherine Uming, and Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh.
Sr Rose Wong in her speech, reminded them that they are called to be authentic religious, guiding people to live in love for God, humanity, and all of God’s creation. They are to utilise the skills and talents given to them by God for the mission. The depth of their love for God will be evident through their continual conversion, their efforts to share God with others, and their Christ-centred relationships.
She continued, whenever they feel weak, gaze upon the Crucifix for strength, and remain grateful and joyful in their hearts. Despite any busyness, remain faithful to daily spiritual practices, as they allow God to purify and strengthen them, protecting their hearts from the temptations of the world.
Sr Clothilda Delicia will serve at St Damiano’s Community in Kota Padawan, beginning 13 December 2023, and her first assignment will be at St Ann’s Parish in Kota Padawan, starting 2 January 2024.
Sr Teresa Evelyn is assigned to serve at St Clare’s Convent in Kanowit, starting 15 December 2023, and her first assignment will be at St Francis Xavier’s Parish in Kanowit, beginning 1 March 2024.
