The quiet of an Alexandria neighborhood was interrupted by the sound of a bell ringing from the top of the Mary, Mother of the Church Monastery of the Poor Clares Jan. 26. The sound..
"This morning, we are witnessing a very unusual event, an event which is foreign to the culture in which we live: A woman is pledging her commitment to live as a vowed cloistered religious, to serve for the rest of her life. The culture around us speaks of 'temporary,' 'for a while,' 'maybe,' but this woman, Sister Mary Damiana, is proclaiming 'permanent,' 'for the rest of my life,' 'forever yes!' This disciple of the Lord has crossed out all maybes from her lexicon and her life," said Bishop Loverde. "How encouraged we are - and strengthened as well - by the definitive 'yes,' which Sister Mary Damiana will proclaim in our midst."