Sr. Myriam Francis, VHM professes solemn vows

By ROB HERBST
The Catholic Week
MOBILE — Newly-professed Sister Myriam Francis Sawal, VHM, said God called her to Visitation Monastery.
"Providence," she said. "I think God leads us where He wants us."
With God's guidance, Sr. Myriam Francis made a solemn commitment to Him through vows of chastity, obedience and poverty during a profession ceremony and Mass celebrated by Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi at Visitation Monastery.
Sr. Myriam made her final vows as a  member of the Sisters of the Visitation on March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation.
Sr. Myriam Francis is a native of the Philippines but lived in the U.S. before arriving at Visitation Monastery in January 2013.
After eventually making her first vow, she then waited the required five years to make her solemn profession.
A full Visitation Monastery, which included lay faithful and her fellow sisters, watched as Sr. Myriam knelt and said: 

"I, Sister Myriam Francis Sawal, vow to Jesus Christ, my Savior, to live in perpetual chastity, obedience and poverty, into your hands, Mother Margaret Mary Rumpf, Superior of the Monastery of the Visitation in Mobile, Alabama, according to the Constitutions of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, in the service of God and of the Holy Church. May the most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God, our founders Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane Frances de Chantal help me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Afterward, Archbishop Rodi extended his hands over Sr. Myriam Francis for the solemn blessing. 
She then received a black  veil, a crucifix and candle. 
Finally she received the Kiss of Peace from the Sisters while they sang "Salve Regina."
Upon reflecting on the day, Sr. Myriam Francis said with a smile. "I cannot describe it."