Saturday, Aug. 14, was such a joyous day for the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods! Sister Joni Luna professed her perpetual vows as a Sister of Providence and Sister Jessica Vitente professed her first vows. We are so thankful to our Provident God that we have joyful, brave and loving women continuing to give their YES to our Congregation and to the world.
Sister Jody O’Neil waves a banner in the procession as Sister Joni Luna and Sister Jessica Vitente enter to profess their vows.
Sister Joni Luna, left, and Sister Jessica Vitente, right, on the day of their vows. Both dressed according to their cultural heritage, Sister Joni’s Native American and Sister Jessica’s Filipino.
Sister Jessica poses for a selfie with Sister Kay Manley before the ceremony.
Sister Joni, right, places her hand on the Bible as she commits to life as a vowed Sister of Providence. Sister Lisa Stallings holds the Bible and Sister Dawn Tomaszewski looks on.
Sister Joni wipes a tear during her profession of vows.
Sister Joni visits with her friend Sister Rita Ann Wade before the start of the ceremony.
Sister Editha Ben carries in incense.
Sister Joni prays silently during the vows ceremony.
Sisters Joni and Jessica prepare to process in for the Mass.
After professing her vows, Sister Joni kisses the Bible, held by General Officer Sister Lisa Stallings.
Sister Joni sprinkles holy water on those gathered in remembrance of Baptism.
Sisters Joni and Jessica process into the church.
General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, left, and all gathered pray a blessing on Sister Joni.
Sister Jessica makes the Sign of the Cross as she professes vows as a Sister of Providence.
Sister Jessica receives her SP cross from General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski.
Sister Jessica poses with her parents, Sollie and Nemie Vitente, before the ceremony.
Sister Joni in a moment of silent prayer during her vows ceremony
General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski places a ring on Sister Joni’s finger signifying her perpetual profession as a Sister of Providence.
Sister Jessica smiles at Sister Dawn as she finishes professing her first vows.
Sister Joni and Sister Jessica look at each other and laugh during the Gospel reflection.
Sister Jessica kisses the Bible held by Sister Dawn.
Friends and family members carry in the altar cloth during Mass, including Providence Associate Shawn Shamsaie, front.
Sister Joni Luna on the day of her vows.
Sister Jessica Vitente on the day of her vows
Detail on Sister Jessica’s hand-painted Filipino dress
Detail on Sister Joni’s Native American dress
Sister Dawn, left, joins those gathered in applauding Sister Jessica after her vows.
Sister Jessica and Sister Joni raise their hands in prayer during the Our Father.
Sisters Jessica and Joni stand before the Providence banners as they prepare to exit the church.
Sister Jessica, right, poses with Sister Mary Mundy, her housemate.
Sister Joni waves to those gathered as she exits the church.
Sisters Jessica and Joni raise their hands to applause after the vows.
Sister Dawn, center, and the gathered Congregation, pray a blessing on the newly-professed sisters.
Sisters Jessica and Joni are full of smiles as they exit the church.
Sister Joni shows off her new ring and Sister Jessica her new cross, both symbols of the vows they have taken, after the ceremony.
Read Sister Dawn’s reflection from the ceremony.
It was a lovely day and event. Both Sister Joni and Sister Jessica are amazing women and the SPs are blessed to have them as family. God is doing a great work in both and it’s encouraging.
I watched the ceremony from FL. It was beautiful a d congratulations to Joni and Jessica.
Sr. Dawn’s reflection was so meaningful!
Looking at the pictures helps us to re-live those beautiful moments of the 2 hour-ceremony! All parts of the event were just perfect! Thank you, Amy, for enabling us to re-live them all.
Hello Jessica, so many congratulations to you…hope it was a most special day for you…Joni, I don’t know you but I send you a special blessing also….Blessings to both of you…Charlie Martin, Rockport, IN
God bless both of you-Joni and Jessica! Thank you for accepting His call! Joni, I became a Providence Associate at the same time as you did and have prayed for you as you have journeyed to this day. I’ve just looked at the photos-how beautiful! They brought tears to my eyes as did your reflection, Dawn. I appreciate the three of you and shall continue to pray for all three of you!
What a day of celebration! We are blessed for the response of Sisters Joni and Jessica to the Sisters of providence! Providence abide in you!