Taking Religious Vows Start of “spiritual journey of continuous faithfulness”: Newly Professed Mozambican Nun Told

Maputo, 30 June, 2025 / 3:45 PM

Taking the three vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience that marks the beginning of Religious Life has one embark on “a spiritual journey” that requires fidelity to Christian principles, Archbishop Claudio Dalla Zuanna of the Catholic Archdiocese of Beira in Mozambique has said. 

In his homily during the June 27 Perpetual profession of Sr. Persilda Júlio Nhama, Archbishop Zuanna called upon the Mozambican member of the Congregation of Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC) to live her Religious Life as a radical and enduring response to Christ’s love in humility, compassion, and commitment to mission.

“This decision represents not merely a liturgical moment but a public commitment, lived in community, to consecrate one’s entire life to God,” the Catholic Archbishop said during the Eucharistic celebration that was held at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral of Beira Archdiocese.

He added, “The perpetual commitment is only the beginning. Fidelity must be built day by day, with patience, new beginnings, and prayer.”

He described Religious Life as a personal and radical response to Christ, saying, “The religious profession is a response to the loving invitation of Jesus. It is not the end but the beginning of a spiritual journey of continuous faithfulness.”

“The consecrated must have a heart like Christ’s—humble, compassionate, and close to the poor and marginalized,” the Argentine member of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCI) said, urging Sr. Persilda to be “a living instrument of mercy and reconciliation.”

Archbishop Zuanna highlighted the reparative mission of her congregation, saying, “This vocation is about healing wounds—spiritual and social—beginning within one’s own community.”

Addressing the meaning of the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, Archbishop Zuanna emphasized that these are not just renunciations but “concrete expressions of love and service. They represent a life of detachment and dedication to the common good.”

He underscored the missionary dimension of religious life, saying, “To seek and to care must guide every action of the consecrated. This vocation demands going out, movement, and being present among the most vulnerable.”

The Catholic Church leader also reminded the congregation that religious life forms a new spiritual family. 

“The religious sister leaves her family by blood to join a new family of faith, where everything—love, goods, and mission—is shared,” he said.

Calling the profession a gift to the Church, the Archbishop added, “This is not just a personal act—it is a blessing for the whole Church and a source of joy for the community.”

Archbishop Zuanna offered words of encouragement to Sr. Persilda, saying,  “You are not alone. The Church, your congregation, the saints, and above all Christ sustain you. Keep your heart open to Jesus, and your vocation will never be lost.”

Reflecting on Mozambique’s continued need for peace and reconciliation, he said, “Mozambique still bears the scars of division and inequality. We all have a role in healing, especially Christians.”