First Profession

List News

05/12/2017 - New Zealand

MARIST SISTERS NOVITIATE

FIRST PROFESSION OF SR TULUA MATANGI’OTUAFI

St Joseph’s Church, Orakei

2^ND DECEMBER 2017

On Saturday 2 December, 2017 the climate in Auckland was pleasant, and it promised to be a comfortable day. There was activity in and around the sisters’ residence and the parish church from an early hour – space was made available for a large number of cars under the watchful gaze of our friend Sete,– and this certainly was very necessary. In the community house, the Parish Church and the Parish Hall there was constant movement, as we prepared for the number of Sisters, Clergy, Family and friends who continued to arrive throughout the morning.

Bishop Pat Dunn, who was officiating, arrived and together with Mons. Pat Ward, Fr Pat Breeze sm and Fr Pat Brady concelebrated the Mass of Profession. Sr Tulua’s family came from great distances – USA, Tonga, Samoa, Australia, Hamilton and Wellington! Sr Gail joined us as she had accompanied Tulua during her period of service in Australia. Tulua’s mother, Huni’aesola, travelled from Tonga, together with the other members of the family. All our Sisters here in NZ were present (Sister Margarita through prayer and good wishes from the North!) All branches of the Society of Mary were represented, and the sense of unity was tangible!

Sister Gemma, Unit Leader, guided the procedure, Tulua responded to all that was asked of her, clearly and with grace, and firmly declared her desire to live the vows of chastity poverty and obedience in the Congregation of Mary, Marist Sisters.

During the the signing of the Profession document, the Sisters went up and gathered around Tulua in a spirit of unity and solidarity and sang “O Maria, Mater amabilis”. Bishop Pat then preached a beautiful sermon centred on the Marist Spirit. The Mass continued to its completion, and after the many greetings all were directed to the refreshments that had been provided in the suitably decorated Hall. Sr Tulua thanked all who had assisted her to realise her dream of being a Marist Sister, a member of the Congregation and the Society of Mary. Tulua’s brother Solomone, representing their deceased father Lupeti, thanked the Sisters on behalf of the family. Tulua’s niece, Seilala, then presented us with a beautiful Tongan dance.

Tulua’s family spent time with her throughout the weekend. Sunday 3^rd December was the first anniversary of the death of Lupeti Ivan ‘Otuafi, father of Tulua. Father Brady offered the Parish Mass on Sunday morning for Lupeti and the family – and we were happy to be present and to honour him and the family in this way.

Sr Tulua will travel to Tonga on Wednesday for a time of holiday with her family, especially those who were unable to be present with us. On her return to NZ she will become a member of the Papatoetoe community. Sr Tulua would like to thank each and every one of your for your love, support, prayer and gifts on this occasion of her First Profession.

Sr Tulua ‘Otuafi, Marist Sister