There is complete joy in belonging to God, says Canossian Sister Linh Dinh who made her Perpetual Profession of Vows at the order’s Canossa Chapel in the Brisbane suburb of Oxley. Source: The Catholic Leader.
“I carry tenderly in my heart the moment I lit the candle and professed my vows,” Sr Dinh said.
“As I spoke the words, ‘This Linh is yours and belongs to you, your Church, and this Canossian family forever,’ I could hear my own voice surrendering everything.
“It was a moment of grace, joy, and deep peace – one I will treasure for the rest of my life.”
She chose religious life as her response to suffering. She envisioned a joyful life, not only for herself but for all humanity.
“Over time, I came to recognise that my religious commitment was not merely a personal choice, but a response to God’s prior and gracious initiative.”
And as she persevered in religious life through prayer, community, and apostolic service, Sr Dinh was convinced that she was created for a love that transcended self and was for God and others.
“I have fallen in love with Christ crucified. From Christ crucified, I draw strength, meaning, and purpose, and to Christ Crucified I dedicate my life for the salvation of souls,” Sr Dinh said.
“My deepest desire now is to love Christ crucified ever more profoundly and to remain abiding in this love.”
Sr Dinh recalled lying face down on the chapel floor when making her perpetual profession.
“In that sacred posture, my heart entered total submission, offering complete surrender to God’s will and placing my whole trust in Divine Grace,” she said.
“As I lay there, tears welled in my eyes while my heart quietly proclaimed, ‘Dying to self’. It was a conscious letting go of my old ways of life, habits, patterns, and personal inclinations, so that I might be reborn into a new life with Christ.”
During his homily, Brisbane Archbishop Shane Mackinlay reminded everyone of the call to love without measure and to be like St Magdalene St Magdalene of Canossa, the foundress of the Canossian Sisters, in service of others.
To young people discerning their vocation, Sr Dinh said they should listen to their hearts honestly and talk with a trusted person.
“If you feel drawn to religious life, hold onto the wonder of that call,” she said.
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Canossian Sister Linh Dinh chooses life of service to God and others (By Kymberlee Gomes, The Catholic Leader)
