There was a significant event at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Andale on May 3, as Sr. Mary Louise Seiler, IHM, professed her first vows into the hands of Mother Cecilia Marie Hammersley during Mass. By taking these vows, she committed to living by the three evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience for one year, marking the beginning of her life as a Bride of Christ.

Sr. Mary Louise's connection to St. Joseph Parish began 24 years ago with her baptism there. Raised by Theodore Seiler and Debra Hawkins, she pursued education at Hutchinson Community College and Emporia State University before entering the convent on August 14, 2022. She became a novice on February 11, 2023, choosing Our Lady as her primary patroness and St. Louis de Montfort as her secondary patron.

Following this milestone in her spiritual journey, Sr. Mary Louise plans to return to college in the fall semester to complete her degree in secondary education with a focus on biology.

The profession Mass was celebrated by IHM Sisters Chaplain Fr. John Hay. In his homily about vocation, he reminded Sr. Mary Louise that “you have been chosen, and chosen for the most sacred service of all: to live for heaven and remind everyone by your way of life of what Leon Bloy said so well many years ago: ‘the only tragedy in life is not to become a saint.’”

Fr. Hay emphasized the role model provided by Mary for those called to consecrated life: “Mary...said fiat; may this be done to me as you – God – desire.” This reflects the mission of Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The process of professing vows includes both internal and external transformations. The evening before her profession, Sister received elements such as the blue dress habit along with a cincture and crucifix. After professing her vows, she received additional items like the scapular and badge symbolizing total consecration.

Expressing joy on this occasion, Sr. Mary Louise stated: “On the day of my vows...it was a great blessing to hear such confidence in the power of my intercession...As a bride of Christ...I look forward to offering my life and prayers as a gift to the Church.”

This report comes from Sr. Edith Marie Lamborn from Sisters of Immaculate Heart Of Mary.