On the feast of St. Anthony June 13, 2025, Sister Michelle Marie Ozuna professed her First Vows as a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity. Sister Michelle Marie is the daughter of the deceased Belinda Gongora and Michael Ozuna. Father David Beaudry presided at the afternoon Eucharist Celebration and Profession Ceremony. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in the Diocese of Austin, Texas. Schoenstatt Associate Pastor Hector Vega concelebrated the Eucharistic Liturgy. Before entering the convent, Sister served as executive assistant for the Office of the Attorney General. She is pursuing an associate degree in nursing at Lakeshore College in Cleveland, Wisconsin.
God has called us as Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity as a pontifical Community of religious women to follow St. Francis in rewarding ministries of Catholic Health Care, Education and parishes in rural and urban communities in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Nebraska and Arizona. Our charism is simplicity firmly built on faith in a loving God, joyful acceptance of poverty, love for the Church and selfless dedication to the service of others. We invite you to visit us. Watch the Profession Liturgy here.
Community Director Sister Natalie Binversie shares her comments on this blessed occasion.
Good morning on this day of special celebration of Sister Michelle Marie’s First Profession of Vows!
Sister Michelle Marie, April 3rd, the day that you wrote your letter requesting permission to profess your First Vows, was the fourth anniversary of coming into full Communion with the Catholic Church. Through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, you received the grace to live a life of consecration. It is through that initial ‘Yes’ that you freely and lovingly desired to repeat your resounding ‘YES’ and become a professed member of the Congregation of Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. The Profession of the Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience is the full manifestation of your Baptismal Consecration.
During the past three years of your initial Formation in the Community, you have grown in deeper union and a greater love for Christ. You show concern for your Sisters and exhibit a caring heart, always ready to generously share your time, gifts and talents whenever you are asked, or whenever you see a need.
In the first reading at the Profession Mass this afternoon, we will hear the reading from the Book of Wisdom. Solomon prayed and wisdom and prudence were given to him. Solemn prayed that he would use the gifts received wisely. All blessings come from God. (Wis. 7:7-14) The second reading will be from the Letter to the Ephesians. We are assured that the grace we need will be given to each of us according to our individual needs, to accompany the special ministry gifts that we have. (Eph. 4:7,11-15) In the Gospel reading from Mark 16:15-20, Jesus appeared to the eleven Apostles who were locked in the upper room. They were afraid. They did not believe those who saw him after he rose from the dead. Despite their unbelief, Jesus believed in them and gave them another chance to believe in him and to proclaim the resurrection. Jesus commissioned them to go to the whole world and to proclaim the Gospel to every creature.
Sister Michelle Marie, the Scripture readings for today are very appropriate, as you profess your Vows. They bring to mind and review the priorities in living the Consecrated Life. God calls, in prayer you listen, and respond in love and in trust. Challenges will greet you, however, grace will be there ahead of the challenge to guide you to be the Handmaid of His Radiant Love. What I have addressed to you applies to all of us, your Sisters in Community. We walk together in Community, supporting one another in prayer as Pilgrims of Hope.
God bless you. Enjoy this day with your Sisters, your family and friends.
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