Columban Sister Angela Yoon Reflects On Her Final Profession.

I was delighted that my family and friends could join with me for this special celebration.

Sister Angela made Final Profession 
in Korea in March, 2002.

For my Final Profession ceremony I returned from the Philippines, where I was on mission, to my native Korea, to the parish church beside our convent in Seoul.  The days prior to my big day were very busy ones and included an interview with the newly appointed Bishop Lee Han Tek, S.J. the first religious order bishop in Korea.

The Columban Sisters and the Benedictine Sisters, who work in the parish, together with the deacons helped me to prepare a very meaningful and beautiful liturgy.  I was delighted that my family and friends could join me for this special celebration.  In his homily, Bishop Lee who was the main celebrant at the Mass, accompanied by the Columban Fathers and other priest friends, spoke about the missionary call and the meaning of Final Profession.  He stressed the fact that Final Profession is a commitment to God, to the Congregation and to all the people.

After I had made my profession of vows, the Litany of the Saints was sung.  The refrain (mantra) that echoed through my heart during each of the invocations was “Jesus, I love you.” It was God’s love that had brought me to this moment of total commitment, and I knew that God’s love would always accompany me no matter where I went or what I did.

Next we had the Offertory Procession during which many meaningful and symbolic gifts were carried to the altar and placed upon it.  First, there was a candle symbolizing the light of Christ.  Then there was a Filipino icon and photos of my missionary life in Mindanao in the Southern Philippines.  This was followed by my sketchbook and journals, symbols of my spiritual journey thus far.  During my retreat, prior to my Profession, I had painted a special mandala based on John 1:1-5; 9-14

Then I was given my ring, the symbol of the complete self-gift of my life to God in love, and the Magnificat was sung.  After this I was congratulated by the sisters.

All during the Mass and ceremony my heart was full of gratitude to my family and to all the Columban Sisters who had journeyed with me to this moment.  I felt united with all our sisters around the world on this day when I became a full member of the Congregation.