On June 26, 2021, in the community of Redemptorist Sisters in Bielsko-Biala (Poland) took place the solemn profession of vows of Sr. Izabela Stokłosa, who seven years ago joined this community. There she completed her entire initial formation, and on the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, through solemn vows, she became the spouse of Jesus the Redeemer, already for eternity, fully inserting herself in the mission that God the Father, through Blessed Maria Celeste Crostarosa, has given to the Order of the Most Holy Redeemer and the community of Bielsko-Biala.
By her solemn vows, Sister Izabela decided, together with her sisters, to be a radiant witness of God’s love for every human being and to embrace everyone in the Church and outside of it with prayer, love, and the sacrifice of her life.
Sister matured for this solemn moment on the paths the Lord had chosen for her. During her academic studies at Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University (CSWU) in Warsaw, she was actively involved in academic ministry and belonged to a formation and evangelization community. At that time, she was discerning her vocation.
The solemn liturgy was presided over by Msgr. Roman Pindel, Bishop of the Bielsko-Żywiec Diocese, and concelebrated by some redemptorist and diocesan priests. There were present also some Redemptorist novices and students of Major Seminary.
Rev. Waldemar Chrostowski, professor of CSWU, delivered the homily. He posed the question: “Who can contribute most to the renewal of reality…” and answered: “Those who offer their lives to God as strongly as possible. Not through discussions, not through polemics, not through Internet and television disputes and arguments, but the credible witness of their own lives, a witness given in silence and concentration, in trust in the Lord God.
Explaining the meaning of contemplative religious life, professor Chrostowski said: Sisters with their devotion are needed to protect the world and the Church from hopelessness, from loneliness and despair. Therefore, in religious life, it is evident that the inseparable unity is hope nourished by faith, which finds expression in prayer. Faith, hope and prayer are the faces of love rooted in God.
The celebration began with a procession. Sister Isabella carried a lit olive lamp in her hands, and surely at the same time, she was carrying the living presence of Christ in her heart.
The burning lamp signifies Sister Isabella’s willingness to care and strive for the Light of Christ to be strong and bright within herself, the community in which she lives, and the Church to illuminate the paths of faith of our sisters and brothers.
The community of Redemptorist Sisters in Bielsko-Biala was founded in 1989 and currently has 17 sisters. From this community 4 new foundations of the Order originate – in Slovakia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.
Sr. Kazimiera Kut, O.Ss.R.
Photo: Konrad Kokosa
