On August 9, 2025, at the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Grodno, Sister Róża Wróbel professed her first religious vows.
The ceremony took place during the Eucharist celebrated by retired Bishop Aleksander Kaszkiewicz. Among those present were numerous guests, including clergy, Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth from across Belarus, with the provincial superior Sister Filotea and general assistant Sister Alina Furczyk from Rome—before whom Sister Róża made her vows—as well as her relatives and friends.
In his welcome, the bishop described the occasion as a historic moment for both the local Church and the Congregation. “Sister Róża is entrusting her life into God’s hands, expressing her desire to follow Jesus through trials and self-sacrifice,” he said. He called on all present to pray that she would continually seek God’s will, fully devote herself to serving the Church, and bear daily witness to Christian love.
The homily was delivered by Father Jerzy Sakowicz OSPPE, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in Karelicze (Nowogródek Deanery), Sister Róża’s home parish. He emphasized that the profession of religious vows should serve as a powerful sign for the Sister herself and a reminder to others of the reality of heaven. Referring to the newly professed sister as his spiritual daughter, he expressed his hope that she would be a clear and steadfast witness to the truth that heaven exists—and that we are all journeying toward it.
In accordance with the rite, following her vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, Sister Róża received several symbolic signs of religious life:
a black veil, representing total consecration to Jesus Christ,
a cross, symbolizing the path to eternal life,
a candle, signifying new life and the light of Christ, and
Covenant of Love – the rule of life – the Constitutions and Statutes of the Congregation.
At the conclusion of the liturgy, Sister Róża offered heartfelt thanks to all who participated in this important moment for her and her community, as well as to those who gave her the gift of life and supported her throughout her formation.
Source: GRODNENSIS.BY
Photos: Bolesław Gowiecki
Flickr album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCqqaL
