Sr Henrietta Pond took her final vows as a Carmelite Sister at the St Alphonsus Church, Pottersville, Dominica, on the afternoon of Sunday, May 7.  

The parish community and members of the various religious orders were present at the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Gabriel Malzaire.

The Carmelite Sisters themselves graced the church with their brown habits signifying the colour of the earth to which we must all return.

The touching Eucharistic celebration commenced with the Carmelite Sisters entering the church singing God Fills Me With Joy, Alleluia! This was followed by the Entrance hymn Be Glad O People of the Earth, Lift up your heart with songs and dance, while the bishop and concelebrating priests processed to the altar.

It was a touching moment in the ceremony when Sr Henrietta’s mother chanted the Responsorial Psalm. It was a way of giving back to God this child He had given her.

Bishop Malzaire was in a happy mood as he delivered the homily. He spoke of his meeting with Sr Henrietta when she disclosed to him that the name she had chosen was “Sr Henrietta Pond of the Crown of Thorns”.

He said that her religious profession was a sign of growth in the Church – “a clear sign of the increasing maturity of the Church in the Diocese of Roseau, attested by the fact that the Church is producing its own for ministry in the local and universal Church.”

Sr Henrietta Pond, O Carm (holding flowers) with her sister Corpus Christi Carmelites

The Bishop said that in the religious life, even when one is fully committed to his/her vocation there can be moments when the religious feels the need to be closer to God.

He mentioned that Sr Henrietta had been baptised at St Alphonsus and had also made her First Communion and Confirmation in the parish. She attended the pre-school there as well.

The ceremony of perpetual profession followed the homily. Sr Henrietta humbly asked of her Superior to be admitted to the community of the Corpus Christi Carmelites.

After the Litany of Saints, during which Sr Henrietta lay prostrate at the foot of the altar, Sister professed her faith and signed the Formula of Profession on the altar.

This was followed by the solemn blessing by Bishop Malzaire. He then gave Sr Henrietta the veil which was placed over her by her Religious Sisters, and the ring signifying her betrothal to the Eternal King.
The Eucharist continued enhanced by the beautiful singing of the St Alphonsus Church choir.

At the end of the celebration it was Sr Henrietta’s turn to say thank you. Her thanks to her parents and grandparents of the La Soie parish came from deep within.

She held back tears of joy as she mentioned her grandparents (now deceased0 whom she said must be dancing. She also thanked Fr La Fleur and all those who had assisted in the preparations for the celebration.

The final hymn was appropriately Rejoice My Soul. A reception followed at the Goodwill Parish Hall.

It was a happy day. Even the heavens were glad.
(Edited from The Dominica Catholic)