01/06/2026
Sr. BENETTA'S FULL SPEECH on her First Religious Profession Sunday, May 31 2026 Francis Parish, Pleebo City, Maryland County.
Today, my heart is overwhelmed with awe and gratitude for the wonders the Lord has done in my life. His mercy and love have surrounded me from the very beginning, and today His joy overflows within me, for He has called me despite my weakness, my imperfections, and my limitations, and He has chosen me to be His bride. What a profound and beautiful joy it is to be called the bride of the Master.
From the very moment of my conception until this present day, God's grace has never left me. Even in moments when I could not see the way forward, His hand was always guiding me gently. I never imagined that I would stand here today, professing my First Religious Vows, but the Lord lovingly whispered to my heart: "Benetta, I have called you by name; you are mine." What greater gift could a soul ever receive? What greater honor could there be than to belong completely to Christ?
Today, my heart sings with joy and thanksgiving. Like the psalmist, my soul proclaims: "I see the work of Your hands." Truly, when I look back on my life, all I can see is grace upon grace. God has patiently shaped me, prepared me, and led me to become the person He desires me to be. And so, with all humility and love, I say: Lord, I am all Yours.
I have every reason to praise, glorify, and thank God for bringing me to this sacred moment. Along this journey, He blessed me with wonderful people whose love, prayers, and support have strengthened my vocation.
To my beloved family, thank you for being such a precious gift from God in my life.
Your love, sacrifices, encouragement, and prayers have carried me throughout this journey. To my grandparents, my graceful and heartfelt thanks go especially to you.
You are my world. Everything I am and all that I have become, I owe so much to your love and guidance. You are living examples of God's amazing grace, and I remain forever grateful to you.
To my dear friends, I am truly blessed to have you in my life. Your words of encouragement, your advice, your support, and your presence have helped me to come this far. May the good Lord richly bless each one of you.
To all the priests and religious, thank you for your prayers, your witness, and your God-centered examples of life and service. Your dedication has inspired and encouraged me deeply. Please know that I continue to look up to you as I journey forward in my vocation.
To my second religious community, Cenacolo Liberia, my heart is filled with gratitude for the beautiful apostolate experience I shared with you. I was deeply touched by your unwavering love, kindness, and joyful spirit. Thank you to the priests, religious brothers, and sisters for welcoming me and helping me grow in faith and service.
To my parish communities of St. Patrick and Holy Martyrs, thank you for planting and nurturing the seed of faith within me. Your prayers, love, and support have helped shape the person I am today.
And finally, to my beloved Congregation, the Sisters of the Holy Family, I am deeply honored and proud to be one of you. Thank you for welcoming me with love, patience, and care. Thank you for believing in me and walking with me throughout this journey of formation. Together, may we continue to serve the Lord faithfully and joyfully, living out our beautiful charism with love and dedication.
To everyone gathered here today to witness and celebrate my public profession of vows, thank you from the depths of my heart. Your presence means so much to me. Please continue to pray for me, that I may remain faithful, humble, joyful, and deeply rooted in Christ. Be assured that I will also keep all of you in my prayers. May God bless you abundantly, and may all glory forever belong to Him alone.
