Taking the AR Habit: Transformation of Identity

TAGAYTAY CITY–Just like the two AR Foundresses, Mother Dionisia and Mother Cecilia Rosa Talangpaz, the Lord has gifted us today with two young Novices. Sr. Kristine Gay Cula Penarejo from Bonifacio Misamis Occidental and Sr. Trezsia Jardin Agpaoa from Brooke’s Point Palawan will commence their Canonical Novitiate under the supervision of Sr. Rhiza Eltanal, AR, the Directress of Novices. The Initiation to the Novitiate or previously called ‘Clothing Ceremony’ was held on May 30, 2019, at the Chapel of Our Lady of Carmel Novitiate Tagaytay City.

Mo. Lucena Antipala, AR, the Superior General presided the solemn and private ceremony attended by AR Council, Sisters from nearby communities and the formands. At the start of the ceremony, the two ‘young ladies’ were still wearing the garb of the AR Postulants with Sr. Mary Joy Dula, AR as Directress of Postulants. It was the culmination of their one-year Postulancy stage.

Towards the end of the ceremony, the two Postulants were led outside the chapel in order to wear the garb of an AR Novice for the first time. Wearing the white AR habit with the white veil, they entered the chapel again with jubilation! As Novices, they are now ready to practice the spirit of the vows of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience. God willing, the two AR First Year Novices will spend two years studying the Rule of St. Augustine, AR Constitutions, the Vows and exposure to AR way of life. Upon careful discernment to the will of God, they will then make the First Profession of Vows. Let us journey with them in prayers for their faithful perseverance.