Welcome Jessica! Our new Sister of Providence

photos by Diane Weidenbenner and Amy Miranda

The Sisters of Providence officially welcomed Jessica Vitente on Monday, Sept. 10, 2018 during a special entrance ceremony. Many years of prayer, discerning, seeking and listening to where God might be calling led Jessica to this joyous moment. The Sisters of Providence gathered excitedly to welcome the newest member of the Congregation!

Might you be called to join Jessica and the other Sisters of Providence? Learn more here!

General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski and members of the General Council, New Membership ministry and sisters in formation greet Jessica as she enters Providence Hall.

Sister Editha celebrates with Jessica after the ceremony.

Posing after the entrance ceremony are, from left: Sisters Jeanne Hagelskamp, Marsha Speth, Mr. and Mrs. Vitente, Sisters Jeanette Lucinio and Editha Ben, new postulant, Jessica Vitente, and Sisters Lisa Stallings, Dawn Tomaszewski, Janice Smith, Teresa Kang and Jenny Howard.

Jessica shows off the keys to her new home with a big smile.

Jessica’s parents bless her before her official entrance into the Sisters of Providence Congregation.

Jessica asks to enter the postulancy of the Sisters of Providence during the small welcoming ceremony.

The sisters came out in large number to welcome their new postulant, Jessica.

General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski addresses Jessica during the entrance ceremony.

Jessica laughs with Sister Joni Luna as she comes forward to offer her a blessing.

Everyone shares a moment of laughter as Jessica is presented the keys to her new home at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Jessica stands and prays between her discernment guide Sister Jeanette Lucinio and General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski.

Sister Janice Smith blesses Jessica on her eyes during the entrance ceremony.

Jessica receives a hug from Sister Nancy Bartasavich after receiving a blessing from her.

Jessica Vitente knocks on the door to Providence Hall, officially seeking entrance to the Congregation.

Jessica laughs with the sisters as they arrive to meet her.

The newest member of the Congregation exclaims upon meeting the oldest member of the Congregation, Sister Marceline Mattingly.

Jessica greets a sister welcoming her.

Sister Barbara Doherty welcomes the new postulant.

Vocation Director Sister Editha Ben, who has accompanied Jessica on her discernment journey over the past several years, accompanies Jessica on her walk to Providence Hall for her official entrance into the Congregation.

Gathering in the Woodland Inn Chapel for prayer before Jessica’s official knocking are from left: Sister Jeanette Lucinio, Jessica Vitente, her mother and father and Sister Editha Ben.