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Sister Dina Bato professes first vows
Sister Dina Bato, a native of Virginia Beach, Va., professed first vows as a member of the Sisters of Providence. She professed her vows during Eucharistic Liturgy Sunday, June 26, in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at the Congregation’s motherhouse at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.
Sister Dina joined the Sisters of Providence Sept. 22, 2008, from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Newport News, Va. She graduated from Salem High School in Virginia Beach and she has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Virginia Tech. Her mother and father are natives of the Philippines.
“My journey has had its ups and downs, but it is one of the most growth-producing adventures I’ve ever had. Support from the sisters, my family and friends has motivated me to embrace the moments leading up to this time,” Sister Dina said.
“I have a greater appreciation for the sisters. I have grown to appreciate and embrace the multiple facets of love. I am more intentional about being and living and I have a deeper sense of community with the sisters and the mission,” she added.
Sister Dina served a postulant year during which she was involved in a volunteer ministry, had ministry experiences with other sisters and participated in intercongregational programs. During her canonical novice year, she studied Congregation history, enhanced her spirituality and strengthened her prayer life. As a mission novice, she participated in Congregation activities and in the Congregation’s local government units, and lived in a local community of sisters. She also ministered as a business office assistant at Providence Cristo Rey High School in Indianapolis and is presently studying for her master’s degree in theological studies at St. Meinrad.
The Sisters of Providence were founded by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, who came from France in 1840 with five companions to establish Catholic education in pioneer Indiana. Saint Mother Theodore was canonized Oct. 15, 2006, by Pope Benedict XVI.
The Sisters of Providence honor Divine Providence and work to further God’s loving plans by devoting themselves to works of love, mercy and justice in service among God’s people. They currently minister in 19 states, Washington, D.C., Taiwan and China.
About the Sisters of Providence
The Sisters of Providence, a congregation of 214 women religious, with 300 Providence Associates, collaborate with others to create a more just and hope-filled world through prayer, education, service and advocacy. The Sisters of Providence have their motherhouse at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, located just northwest of downtown Terre Haute, Ind., which is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin founded the Sisters of Providence at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 1840. Today, Sisters of Providence minister in 13 states, the District of Columbia and Asia, through works of love, mercy and justice. More information about the Sisters of Providence and their ministries can be found at SistersofProvidence.org.
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