Profession Day for a Religious Sister is one of the most memorable days of her life.

After the postulancy and novitiate years of testing and being tested, of doubts and indecision, the mind is finally made up and a decision is made to give oneself solely to God, to his Will as is made known, and to make vows of obedience poverty and chastity. The sense of joy and happiness that accompanies the decision is inexplicable.

Such was the Profession Day for Sr Bemadette Ramharack, daughter of Roopnarine and Joyce Ramharack, as she made vows in the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny.

The day was Wednesday, August 22, Feast of the Queenship of Mary. The celebration took place in St Joseph in the Convent Chapel of the Sisters where Sr Bemadette had spent many a quiet moment when she was a student at the secondary school.

It was a simple ceremony, but distinct and unique, with the presence of Sr Bemadette's two families, her religious sisters and her own family that had nourished and cared for her for so many years, and of which she will always be a part.

Sr Bernadette (centre) with her family

Fr Peter de la Bastide CSSp was the chief celebrant at the Mass which began at 10.30 a.m. Frs Neil Rodriguez and Enill CSSp.

Frs Allan Ventour and David Khan from San Femando, Fr Ferdie Warner OP and parish priest of St Joseph concelebrated. Sr Bemadette's only brother was the altar server for the occasion.

Before the homily, Sr Bemadette's name was called to which she responded explaining what she was requesting. In his homily, Fr Peter thanked and congratulated Sr Bemadette for her generosity to the Church and to the Congregation He urged her to faithfulness in prayer, this being the only way to deepen her spiritual life and fidelity to her chosen way of life.

Sr Bemadette then publicly made her vows for three years, which were accepted by the Provincial Superior of the West Indies Sr Gabrielle Mason.

She was then presented with a veil, a book of Constitutions of the Congregation, a ring and a crucifix all symbols of the life that she was about to start, and representing the witness that her life was to be for the Church.

During the ceremony, the singing was led by the Sisters, with Sr Bemadette herself singing the Responsorial Psalm. The heavy downpour that occurred signified, no doubt the showers of blessings that would mark her religious life.

At the end of the ceremony, Sr Gabrielle informed the congregation that from now on Sr Bemadette would be a member to the community in Providence, Belmont and would be returning to her teaching post at Nelson St Girls’ RC.

We thank God for the gift of Sr Bemadette, we thank her parents for this precious gift to the Church and we wish her many happy and fruitful years in the vineyard of the Lord.