December 4th was a very joyful day for me as I made my Final Profession as a Columban Sister. Many people gathered for this ocassion in Donam Parish in Seoul. My Parents and Family, many Sisters, Priests and friends, the Staff from St.Columban's Clinic and St.Columban's Home came to share the joy with me and give thanks for my Missionary Call. It was a great day to feel that awareness of God's love through them as well as all those who were supporting me and praying for me everywhere.

Fr. Donal O’Keeffe, Director of the Columban Fathers, Korea, was the main celebrant with many other priests concelebrating.

I would like to share a reflection on my journey:

Last September when I left Myanmar and as I journeyed on the way I reflected on my time there. I was very happy to be there with the people of Mandalay. Sometimes I felt I was in the desert even though I was happy. At that time this Scripture quotation came to me.

"I will lead you out into the wilderness and speak to your heart" Hosea 2.16

In 2007 we had a programme in Magheramore, Wicklow, Ireland, and at the end had Retreat. Sr. Kathleen O'Riordan gave us this Scripture quotation. Kathleen shared with me the meaning of this quotation and her experience of Scripture.

In her sharing Sister Kathleen spoke of how when we are in the desert we can hear clearly God’s voice. My time in Scotland came to me, it was a diffcult time and I felt I was alone on the island. However at the same time I was aware of God's presence.

Sister Theresa pronounces her Vows at the Offertory of the Profession Mass

Accompaning her is Sister Nora Wiseman

Theresa receives the ring, symbol of Final Profession of Vows, from Sister Nora Wiseman

My time in Ireland in 2008 was a healing and a blessed time for me to meet our Sisters who walked the journey of the Missionary Sisters before me. They shared their wilderness experience with me and as well as their God- given moments of encouragement and peace. Through their sharing I got the courage to accept my own situation and have learned that the time in the wilderness was a blessing for my inner growth. This experience has helped me grow daily and to live with struggles and uncertainty as well as joy and peace.

I believe that this motto, "I will lead you out into the wilderness and speak to your heart" will enable me to continue my journey as a Columban Missionary Sister.

I am very grateful to God for my Missionary call and for all he has done for me and through me each day.

A special "Thank You" to all the Columban Sisters who are companions on my journey. You are remembered in my prayers and every blessing for a peaceful New Year

Sister Theresa and her parents cut the cake watched by Sisters Nora Wiseman, Miriam Cousins, Teresa O'Connell and Cho Young Mi

For more photos of the celebration, click here

If you would like to know more about the Columban Sisters in Korea
email:
weboffice@columbansisters.org