Ten Sisters of Life Profess First Vows

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Ten Sisters of Life professed their first vows Aug. 3 at a Mass of Profession celebrated by Bishop John Barres of the Diocese of Rockville Centre at Sacred Heart Church in Suffern.
The Sisters of Life is a religious community of diocesan right in the Archdiocese of New York founded in 1991 by the late Cardinal John O’Connor. Sisters of Life take the traditional vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, as well as a fourth vow to protect and enhance the sacredness of human life.

Sister Jeanne Marie, S.V., 37, was born in Malaysia and later moved to Auckland, New Zealand, where she attended Immaculate Conception parish. She graduated from the University of Auckland with a degree in mechanical engineering. She was an international travel consultant before entering religious life. She is the daughter of Dr. Raphael and Catherine Ng and has three brothers and three sisters.

Sister Mercy Marie, S.V., 35, was raised in South Wilmington, Ill., and attended St. Lawrence parish. She graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio with a bachelor’s degree in business administration-marketing. Before entering religious life, she was the director of programs at a Catholic education program for women, Endow (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women). She is the daughter of Drew and Mary Elizabeth Sweeney and has two brothers and two sisters.

Sister Theresa Francesca, S.V., 32, was raised in Springfield, Va., and attended St. Raymond of Penafort parish. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and holds a master’s degree in theology for the New Evangelization from the Augustine Institute. Before entering religious life, she was a missionary with Christ in the City in Denver. She is the daughter of Ted and Debbie Tolpa and has one brother.

Sister Céleste Mariae Thérèse, S.V., 29, was raised in Brooks, Alberta, Canada and attended St. Mary’s parish. She graduated from Trinity Western University/Redeemer Pacific College with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a minor in Catholic studies. Before entering religious life, she worked as a registered nurse in palliative home care. She is the daughter of Brian and Terri de Jong and has one brother.

Sister Gemma Grace Marie, S.V., 28, was raised in Columbus, Ga., and attended Holy Family parish. She graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and Columbus State University with a master’s degree in secondary mathematics education. Before entering religious life, she was in graduate school. She is the daughter of William (Bill) and Marion Harris and has one brother and one sister.

Sister Anastasia Chiara Luce, S.V., 28, was born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, and raised in Queens, where she attended Our Lady of Sorrows parish in Corona. She graduated from St. John’s University with a bachelor’s degree in human services with a minor in theology. Before entering religious life, she was living in a discernment house and working as a parish life associate in Newark, N.J. She is the daughter of Julio and Maria Espinal and has one brother.

Sister Maria Frassati, S.V., 27, was raised in Waltham, Mass., where she attended Our Lady’s Comforter of the Afflicted parish. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree. Before entering religious life, she was doing research. She is the daughter of John and Denise Zuppe and has two brothers.

Sister Caroline Caritas, S.V., 25, was raised in Cresson, Pa., where she attended St. Francis Xavier parish. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Christendom College. After graduating, she entered religious life. She is the daughter of Anthony and Tracey Ingold and has two sisters.

Sister Lucia Christi, S.V., 25, was raised in Indianapolis, where she attended St. Gabriel the Archangel parish. She graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in human biology. After college, she entered religious life. She is the daughter of Larry and Lisa Zetzl and has three brothers.

Sister Avelina Joseph, S.V., 24, was raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where she attended St. Matthew’s parish in Surrey, B.C. She graduated from Simon Fraser University with a bachelor’s degree in biology-ecology stream. After graduating, she entered religious life. She is the daughter of Fermin and Avelina Lagalagot and has two sisters.