L-R: Sr. Dolores Carmel, O.Carm., Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Sr. Sharon Rose Carmel, O.Carm., Mother Mary Rose, Prioress General
The Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm celebrated the First Profession of Vows of Sr. Sharon Rose Carmel and Sr. Mary Dolores Carmel on July 10, 2021. The Eucharistic celebration was held at Saint Teresa’s Motherhouse in Germantown, NY. The Chapel was filled with family members, invited guests and friends to share the joy, and witness the sisters’ profession of religious vows.
His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York was the Principal Celebrant and Homilist and the Very Reverend Mario Esposito, O.Carm. was the Master of Ceremonies. Also present were Rev. Matthew Breslin and several Carmelites of the Saint Elias Province from Middletown, NY. In the homily, Timothy Cardinal Dolan posed the question, “What words does Jesus use when he invites us to follow Him? ‘Remain with Me’… never forget that, dear Sisters, the mandate that Jesus gave you on the day of your profession, simply to remain in Him. If you remain in Him… you will bear much fruit and the fruit will be love… Sr. Sharon and Sr. Dolores you are going to be doing a lot of things in service of Jesus and His Church in your apostolates and ministries… the difference is of course that you will be doing it with love, the love that comes from remaining with Him.”
The highlight of the ceremony was when each Sister took their Vows of Obedience, Poverty and Chastity. The Sisters then received the black veil, symbolizing the status of a professed Sister. Sr. Dolores Carmel and Sr. Sharon Rose Carmel received their “Obedience” and mission assignment and will both be going to Carmel Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Staten Island, New York.
Congratulations to the Sisters and may they find joy and fulfillment as well as receive many blessings as they give themselves to the service of God and His Church!
