On Saturday, December 8 2012, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Sister Therese Maria Touma professed First Vows as a Maronite Servant of Christ the Light during the Qurbono at Saint Anthony of the Desert parish in Fall River, MA. His Excellency, Bishop Gregory Mansour, several concelebrating clergy and over 200 people attended the celebration. Mother Marla Marie received Sister Therese Maria's vows after the homily (as you can see from the photos).
It was a beautiful and blessed day in the journey of the foundation of the Maronite Servants. Sister Therese Maria addressed the congregation at the close of the Qurbono:
“My soul rejoices in the Lord my Savior…The Mighty one has done great
things for me, and holy is his name.” (Luke 1: 47, 49)
Yes, truly he has filled me with
the fullness of his awesome love. Thank you to all for your encouraging presence
and prayers, and for sharing with me such a joyous occasion. In gratitude to
our Good God, I thank him for the gift of my calling as a Maronite Servant of
Christ the Light, and for the grace to respond to this life-giving invitation to
be all for Jesus, and to love and serve our Church.
I thank my parents Youssef and
Jackie for all their sacrifices and love in raising me and my siblings Alison
and Roumanos. I am honored to have my mum here with me all the way from
Australia, representing my loved ones, family and friends back home in Sydney.
There are many who have touched
my life and made a positive difference. They know who they are and I thank God
for each of them.
In particular, I thank His
Excellency Sayedna Gregory Mansour for his inspiring words, caring presence and
faithful witness of fatherly and brotherly love.
I am deeply grateful to the
generous abounas (priests) who have supported me in my journey of discernment
and formation, and especially for those here today.
In a special way, I thank you
Mother Marla Marie for your self-giving dedication and uplifting presence in my
life as a guide, formator, and dear friend. In the last three years of
formation, I have seen myself grow in the acceptance of my humanity, and in
compassion for my neighbor. Thank you for your goodness, for all the joys,
challenges, and the sharing of your life experiences with me, in community.
This all has helped me to grow in my understanding and living of true communion
and love.