On March 1, 2025, the Carmelite Sisters held a special celebration of Sister Philomena Anne of Divine Mercy's profession of Perpetual Vows. The event was held at Saint Teresa's Chapel in Germantown, New York. We are grateful to Most Reverend Gerardo Colacicco, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, for joining us at the Eucharistic celebration as our principal celebrant.  The bishop was joined at the altar by Reverend Raymond Maher, O.Carm., and Very Reverend Mario Esposito, O.Carm. as the Master of Ceremonies. Serving at the liturgy were Mr. Matthew Wise, Brother John Baptist Truong An Nguyen, O.Carm. and Brother John Baptist Duc Nguyen, O.Carm. of the Carmelite Province of Saint Elias in Middletown, New York.

Sister Philomena Anne's parents from Lynchburg, VA, sister Kelly and husband Joe with their three boys from New Milford, NJ and brother Tony from North Carolina were present. Also present were Mother Mary Rose and our Carmelite Sisters.  Sister Philomena picked for her readings the theme of love from the Song of Songs 8:6-7, Letter to the Romans 12:1-13 and the Gospel of John 15:9-17 in which Bishop Colacicco encapsulated in his beautiful homily describing "love of God as a blazing fire and unquenchable."

The celebration continued with the reception and fraternity. We wish Sister Philomena all the blessings and graces she needs as she begins a new Chapter in her religious journey as a perpetually professed Carmelite Sister. We assure her of our continued support in prayer and sisterly love as we continue our journey in this land we call "CARMEL."

Photo Credit: Sister Christopher Jude, O.Carm.

Photo Credit: Sr. Helena/Sr. Dolores