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News from our Sisters in Tambacunda (Senegal) about how they celebrated their Final Commitment to God in Consecrated Life
We, Sisters Marie Celine, Jacqueline and Marie Pierre made our Final Profession of the three vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience on December 30th 2006 in the presence of the whole Christian Community in Tambacunda.
We Africanised this impressive ceremony by the use of some age-old powerful symbols so significant in our culture.
The Woven Cloth
In African tradition the woven cloth is used in all significant milestones of a person's life. Only the Elders are permitted to wear it everyday, as a sign of their wisdom and generativity. We were covered with the woven cloth during the Ceremony to signify "dying to oneself and living totally for God", as our Constitutions urges us to "...gradually learn how to see God in everything, so as to
reveal Him in all things, thus achieving unity of prayer and life..".
The Earthenware Jar
This large clay pot is still used in homes today to store drinking water. As it is never allowed to run dry, it symbolises our interior life. We offer this water of life to those who come to us, looking for guidance on their journey.
The Empty Calabash - (A large fruit of the Savannah that resembles a courgette)
The Calabash is used by women in everyday household tasks. It symbolises generous and loving service to God and neighbour.
We are deeply grateful for all the encouragement and support we have received from the entire Congregation, during our preparation for this life-changing milestone in our lives.
