It is a glorious destiny to be called to consecrated life. The Sisters of Mary
Queen of Peace in Canberra renewed their vows during the Mass of the
Presentation of the Lord, their Feast Day, on Saturday 3 February 2024.
Leader of the Congregation, Sr Kim Hoa Ha, welcomed the celebrants, His
Excellency, Most Rev. Charles Balvo – Papal Nuncio to Australia,
Monsignor Alfred Rayan DSOUZA First Secretary at the Nunciature, Deacon
Mark Ha, fellow Religious Brothers and Sisters, and friends and supporters
from near and far.
Sr Kim said their Congregation was encouraged by the words of Canberra-
Goulburn Archbishop Christopher Prowse, to be tellers of the Good News in
this Year of The Holy Spirit. Sr Kim said their Congregation recognised the
importance of a contemplative spirit that seeks to listen to the community in
which they live, building on the traditions that they bring from their
community in Buon Me Thuot, Vietnam, in particular the charism of peace.
Scriptures were read by Carmelite Sister Bernadette, Sister of Charity Emma
Maria, and Deacon Ha. Prayers of the Faithful were made in English and
Vietnamese by young Vietnamese congregants. In his homily Archbishop Balvo
spoke of an unsettling experience of walking through a pitch black tunnel and
his relief when a ray of light was finally seen. He said the Sisters carry God’s
light; they provide an example and bring light and radiance into the world.
A Vietnamese dinner followed the Mass and was enjoyed by all on a very warm
Canberra evening. (Jeff Dutton)
Queen of Peace in Canberra renewed their vows during the Mass of the
Presentation of the Lord, their Feast Day, on Saturday 3 February 2024.
Leader of the Congregation, Sr Kim Hoa Ha, welcomed the celebrants, His
Excellency, Most Rev. Charles Balvo – Papal Nuncio to Australia,
Monsignor Alfred Rayan DSOUZA First Secretary at the Nunciature, Deacon
Mark Ha, fellow Religious Brothers and Sisters, and friends and supporters
from near and far.
Sr Kim said their Congregation was encouraged by the words of Canberra-
Goulburn Archbishop Christopher Prowse, to be tellers of the Good News in
this Year of The Holy Spirit. Sr Kim said their Congregation recognised the
importance of a contemplative spirit that seeks to listen to the community in
which they live, building on the traditions that they bring from their
community in Buon Me Thuot, Vietnam, in particular the charism of peace.
Scriptures were read by Carmelite Sister Bernadette, Sister of Charity Emma
Maria, and Deacon Ha. Prayers of the Faithful were made in English and
Vietnamese by young Vietnamese congregants. In his homily Archbishop Balvo
spoke of an unsettling experience of walking through a pitch black tunnel and
his relief when a ray of light was finally seen. He said the Sisters carry God’s
light; they provide an example and bring light and radiance into the world.
A Vietnamese dinner followed the Mass and was enjoyed by all on a very warm
Canberra evening. (Jeff Dutton)