Sr Vertly Neptune, who hails from the parish of Moruga, joyfully made perpetual profession at St Francis church, Belmont on March 19, feast of St Joseph , patron saint, of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny. It was a happy occasion. A bright blue sky presided cheerfully over the morning's proceedings ensuring that nothing would dampen the spirit of the day.

As the sisters walked joyfully in procession, to the sound of Brother Paschal Jordan's Glory and Honour a sea of blue cascaded into the church aisle. Sisters young and old of every generation were present to offer with Sr Vertly the gift of herself to God.

It was a moment of thanksgiving. Sister Vertly walked in procession holding a lighted candle, followed by the Provincial Superior, Sr Gabrielle Mason, the priests and finally Archbishop Gilbert. The church was tightly packed with representatives of Religious Congregations, Cluny affiliates and associates, family members, nursing associates, friends, parishioners of Moruga and Belmont parishes.

In his homily, the Archbishop challenged Sr Vertly to emulate the life of St Joseph . St Joseph lived life with open hands, always ready for the unexpected and giving himself selflessly to the plan of God. In religious life, there are no guarantees and one must always be ready to let go and be open to God's will.

St Joseph was a man who was ambitious for the things of God. Sr Vertly was encouraged to be likewise ambitious for the kingdom of God and to honestly examine her motivations daily. Finally, he cautioned her against falling into the temptation of allowing her apostolate to take precedence over her community life.

The ceremony of Religious profession was a very profound and moving experience. In answer to the call of the Provincial Superior, Sr Vertly walked prayerfully to the centre of the sanctuary where she would consecrate her life to God forever. There was total silence.

When she requested to make perpetual profession according to the constitutions of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, everyone looked on in awe, even the two marble cherubs that stood one on either side of her were symbolic of the heavenly hosts joining in praise to God. Her mother, who sat in the congregation with other members of her family, pondered all these things in her heart.

Sr Vertly Neptune

After the litany of the saints and the examination by the Archbishop, Sr Vertly confidently and prayerfully made forever the vows of obedience, of chastity and of poverty in the congregation of the sisters of St Joseph of Cluny.

The ring, which is a symbol of her total consecration to God, was placed securely on her finger by Archbishop Gilbert with the words, “Receive this ring, for you are betrothed to the Eternal King. Keep true faith with Christ so that you may come to the wedding feast of Eternal Joy.”

Sr Gabrielle then welcomed her forever into the heart of the congregation saying: “Sister Vertly, you are now a member of the Congregation forever, united with us in seeking together the will of God so as to spend ourselves in the service of the mission”

The sisters then pledged their support of her total consecration to a life of service for God. The hymn Yahweh's Love Will Last Forever took on new meaning as each sister embraced her.

The liturgy of the Eucharist burst into an experience of total joy and thanksgiving. Hearts were renewed. The Moruga choir that sang the communion hymn I Have Carried You reminded us of God's faithful love. In the midst of a world that has grown wary of God, a life joyfully given to God was one worth celebrating.

The old ladies that made the long journey from Moruga to Belmont to see a daughter of the soil consecrate her life to God, understood this. The ceremony concluded with the hymn And the Father Will Dance and God did dance that day and continues to dance once again.