Perpetual Profession of Vows 2026
Celebrating the sacred commitment to religious life
Caught up in Christ's unconditional love, we joyfulfully commit the totality of our person to him.
You Are Sent C 13
Inspired by these words of Blessed Theresa, “Love gives everything gladly, everything again and again daily”, Sister Moureen Wekesa joyfully celebrates her perpetual yes to God, an inspiration that has continually shaped her life in mission with the School Sisters of Notre Dame, a journey that began more than ten years ago. She looks back with joy and gratitude for the blessings God has bestowed upon her life through her relationship with God, people of God in different places and sisters in community. She deeply grateful for the blessing of those who have supported her on her journey of faith; family members, parents, the sisters who formed her, spiritual directors and those she encountered in the ministry, whose presence became for her a manifestation of support and collaboration.
Her entire religious life has been shaped by fruitful years of prayer and a vibrant community life. Encountering God in prayer, has given her a particular focus for daily self-giving to others. She is deeply grateful knowing that God sustains that commitment in love, and is always faithful. She affirms that community life has supported her commitment to the religious vows. As she journeyed with different sisters, she has come to understand the gift of shared responsibility, love, forgiveness and a joyful encounter with others in community. Through her ministry as bursar at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School, Cape Coast, Ghana and St. Francis Girls’ Secondary School in Kericho, Kenya. She encountered diverse parents and students whose unique journeys resilience and aspirations fostered in her a sense of shared mission with others in the Charism of education. She expresses how she was sometimes heartbroken seeing just how difficult it was for some parents to raise school fees for their children. This, however, gave her the opportunity to offer advice and support to the families through words of encouragement and presence in solidarity. In this awareness, she has continued to give of herself at different levels where she has been called to serve.
She is especially grateful for the years she served in Ghana. Living in a new culture was such a profound gift for her. The community at school allowed her to enter into their life and traditions which taught her to look beyond her own assumptions and embrace differences with an open heart and mind. The experience left her more empathetic and accepting of others, transforming her to see cultural differences as a strength, allowing her to view other cultures through a wider lens as opportunities to learn and develop as a person.
With this gratitude and joy, she also wants to use this opportunity to encourage others who desire religious life or will discern this way of life. “Do not be afraid, God who calls you, will grant you the grace to walk the journey and transform you for what He desires for His own designs” says Sister Moureen.
Sister Edidiong Jerome Afangideh, is currently serving in Jos community and teaching at St. Murumba Nursery and Primary School, Jos, Nigeria.
Her pivotal moment in discerning whether religious life was right for her came during her first visit to the community. The warm welcome she received was a turning point for her. It filled her with inner peace and affirmed her calling.
She encourages all who partner with the School Sisters of Notre Dame in mission to keep alive the spirit of our foundress, Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, as they collaborate with us in faith and service.
To promote vocations, she wishes to share that religious life is a precious gift, each person must listen to the voice of their heart and follow the flame of their zeal. She further exhausts those decerning a vocation, to trust in God’s guidance, to follow their heart, to pray sincerely, and God will lead them to the right path.
For Sister Frances Okafor, a pivotal moment came when she discovered how much joy she felt in serving others—whether through small acts of kindness or larger commitments. That joy was not fleeting; it was deep and lasting, pointing her toward something greater. In prayer, she recognized that this joy was God’s gift, showing her that religious life is the path where she could dedicate herself completely to Christ and to serving His people.
This union of service, joy, and prayer made it clear that religious life was the right path for her.
She expresses gratitude to those who partner with the School Sisters of Notre Dame in mission. “Your generosity, prayers, and collaboration make it possible for us to live our charism and serve God’s people. You are part of this journey, and together we make Christ visible in the world. May God bless you for walking with us in faith and solidarity”.
She encourages those discerning religious life, to listen deeply to the voice of God in their heart. “Do not be afraid of your limitations—God calls us as we are and transforms us through His grace. Religious life is a beautiful adventure of love and service. If you feel the stirrings of this call, trust that God will give you the courage to say “yes” and the joy to live it faithfully” says Sister Frances.
Are you feeling called to a life of service, community and personal growth?
For more information on this vocation opportunity, visit Become a Sister.