Sr. Cecilia Lich Thanh Tran Makes Final Profession of Vows

 Sao Chúa Gọi Con “Why did You call me, Oh Lord, to be Your witness to the world?” is the meditation song chosen by Sr. Cecilia Lich Thanh Tran for the celebration of her perpetual profession of religious vows in the Conventual Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the Villa De Matel Convent on February 1, 2025.  The hymn, sung in Vietnamese, echoed the homily of celebrant Most Reverend Italo Dell'Oro, C.R.S., Auxiliary Bishop of Galveston-Houston, who said that in making her final vows Sr. Cecilia was responding to God's call with her whole mind, body and soul: “Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will." Bishop Dell'Oro said that our response to God's call must come with humility. He encouraged Sr. Cecilia to continue hearing the voice of the Good Shepherd in that same humility, as he called her to follow Him daily in the community of the faithful as he did Mary, the mother of Jesus. Humility, he said, is a source of joy. He prayed that God would accompany Sr. Cecilia as she consecrates her entire life to the service of humanity through the Church and the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston, TX. Seven other priests joined Bishop Dell'Oro to concelebrate the Mass. Two deacons assisted.   

Sr. Cecilia’s perpetual profession of the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience was received by Congregational Leader, Sr. Celeste Trahan, CCVI.  Sr. Cecilia received a gold ring as a symbol of her permanent bond to God and the Congregation. Sr. Celeste prayed the ring would be a reminder to Sr. Cecilia that neither death nor life, nor things present, nor things to come, not anything at all, can ever separate her from the love of Christ Jesus, our Lord. After the ritual of perpetual profession, she welcomed Sr. Cecilia as a member of the Congregation with these words: “May you live in joy among us, one with us in mind and heart for mission, faithful bearer of the Gospel of God’s love, sharing all things in common with us now and in the future.” The assembled congregation responded: "Amen."

The joy-filled celebration was attended by Sr. Cecilia's parents, siblings, relatives, friends and CCVI Sisters. After the Mass, guests enjoyed a festive meal at the Dubuis Conference Center. We thank the Lord of the harvest for sending “laborers into His Vineyard” and we pray for more. We also pray for Sr. Cecilia that God may bring to perfection the good works He has begun in her. Praised be the Incarnate Word—Forever.