Saying “Yes” to the Lord….

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. My spirit rejoices with God, my savior. For He has looked with favor on his lowly servant.”

On May 14, 2026, we joyfully echoed Mary’s fiat during our first profession of religious vows at the Minor Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Quezon City. This day is truly special because we also celebrated the 50th anniversary of Sr. Edna Apolonio, as a Pastorella sister.

Rev. Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, Provincial Superior of Society of St. Paul Philippines-Australia Province, presided over the Eucharistic celebration together with concelebrant priests. We were also blessed with the presence of our sisters from the General Government: the superior general, Sr. Aminta Sarmiento Puentes, and the General councilors Sr. Lucia Piai and Sr. Sonia Batagin along with our sisters from the province. Sr. Aminta accepted our religious vows. The celebration was also joined by our families, Pauline brothers and sisters, and friends.

As Pastorelle sisters, Fr. Mario reminded us in his homily that we should be “shepherds with the smell of the sheep” as what our late Pope Francis said. As shepherdesses, we are also reminded that we are not the owners of the sheep. Hence, we are called to lead the flock not to ourselves but to Jesus Good Shepherd. With Sr Edna, all the Pastorelle Sisters present for the occasion prayed Thanksgiving for the Consecrated Life.

We thank the Lord for choosing us and for sustaining us with His love and mercy throughout our journey. And as we continue to respond to God’s call, we ask for the grace of charity and perseverance and your continuous prayer for us, so that we may be able to always gaze at Jesus Good Shepherd who is the center of our life.

Sisters Aezel Platon and Jessah Clarito