A Beautiful Witness to Love: Sister Alyssa’s Perpetual Vows
Written by Father Juan Carlos Paguaga.
Today Friday, December 12th, at the Cathedral of Miami, six sisters from the community of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary will profess their perpetual vows to the service of the Lord. In a world often marked by selfishness and individualism, we are privileged to witness six courageous women, gifted with unique spiritual strengths, publicly offer their whole lives to God and to His Church.
As a diocesan priest who has worked side by side with the Servants of the Pierced Hearts for many years, I can say humbly and gratefully that St. Agnes Parish would be profoundly diminished without their presence. Their prayer, their maternal spirituality, their joyful charisma, and their unconditional pastoral love are a true gift to our parish family. I see them as part of my own pastoral heart, brothers and sisters in the Lord on whom I can rely for counsel, encouragement, and strength, and with whom I can joyfully plan the spiritual path of our community.
Among these six consecrated women, we turn our hearts with special affection toward Sister Alyssa Renée of the Triumph of Love of the Pierced Hearts, SCTJM, who has served at St. Agnes Academy for almost ten years. Through the inspiration of Mother Adela, foundress of the community, Sister Alyssa helped establish our Faith Formation Department, whose mission is to evangelize, support, and form our children, faculty, staff, and parents. Her work has touched countless lives, planting seeds of faith and love that continue to grow each day.
Today, more than ever, our parish rejoices in the Lord for the gift of her vocation. Her perpetual “yes” to God is a grace for all of us.
We also give thanks to the Lord for her sisters in community who profess vows alongside her:
Sr. Esther Pilar de la Pureza y Manto Materno de María, SCTJM – Diocese of Phoenix, St. Gregory Parish, Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation
Sr. Catherine Mary of the Blessed Sacrament, SCTJM – Archdiocese of Miami, Professor of Physics at St. Thomas University
Sr. Brooke Kolbe of the Trusting Heart of Mary, SCTJM – Diocese of Rapid City, Campus Minister and Theology Teacher
Sr. Mercy Marie of the Eucharistic Love of Mary, SCTJM – Archdiocese of Asunción, Paraguay, serving in the “Two Hearts Will Reign” Evangelization Center
Sr. Giana Grace of the Merciful Gaze of Jesus, SCTJM – Diocese of Orlando, Associate Director of Vocations
May the Lord continue to strengthen all of them in their consecration. And may Sister Alyssa’s perpetual vows be a source of hope, encouragement, and renewed faith for our parish family. She is a living reminder that God still calls, and generous souls still answer.
We give thanks to God for her “yes,” and we entrust her to the tender care of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Ad Multos Annos!
Father jc
