In Our Lady Queen of the Rosary Chapel, with the opening song of Dominican Magnificat, Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception was celebrated and Sr. Phuong Thuy Vu, O.P. took her Rite of First Profession of Vows. The Mass and Profession of Vows were video streamed to the school community, Sr. Phuong’s family, and the US Dominican community.
School chaplain Rev. John Restrepo, O.P. was celebrant and President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas delivered the welcome. Via video link, there were messages of congratulations to Sr. Phuong from Prioress Sr. Pat Twohill, O.P., Coordinator of Formation Sr. Pat Dual, O.P., and Formation Minister Sr. Ceal Warner, O.P.
Members of Sr. Phuong’s community participated during the Mass and the Profession of Vows. Sr. Suzanne Brauer, O.P. served as Master of Ceremonies. Prioress Delegate was Sr. Dorothy Trosclair, O.P. The first reading of the liturgy, Genesis 3:9-15, 20, was given by Sr. Angeline Magro, O.P. Reading in Vietnamese, Sr. Binh Nguyen, O.P., delivered the second reading, Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12.
During the Rite of Profession, Sr. Trosclair did the Calling of the Novice. Testimonies were given by Sr. Pat Thomas, O.P. and Sr. Dominic Savio, O.P. This followed with Sr. Trosclair inviting the assembly to join her in the questioning of Sr. Phuong, where she affirmed her desire. Following the Profession of Vows, Sr. Kathy Broussard, O.P. and Sr. Mary Ann Culotta, O.P. came forward to witness as Sr. Phuong, signed her vows. The rite concluded with the blessing and presentation of the symbol and scriptures by Sr. Trosclair to Sr. Phuong, who expressed her gratitude for everyone’s support. Sr. Phuong, is Counseling Department Assistant at Dominican. Mass concluded with the community singing, Ready the Way.
Members of Laudare Music Ministry and Moderators Lauren Bordelon and Kenny Lannes led the community in song. Eucharistic Ministers assisted with the distribution of Communion throughout the school.