There is a saying that happiness comes in threes. There was a triple cause for rejoicing for the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary as three Sisters—Sr. Mary Gemma, Sr. Edith Marie, and Sr. Emilia Marie—each made their first profession of vows on Saturday, June 29. The three vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience are known as a “triple expression of a single ‘yes.’” By professing these vows, a Sister becomes a bride of Christ.
The first profession took place at St. Francis of Assisi parish during a Mass celebrated by Fr. John Hay, the chaplain of the IHM Sisters. Fr. Hay’s homily highlighted the role of happiness in religious life, the happiness that comes from following God. Although the microphones were not working that day, the joy in the Sisters’ voices and the radiant smiles on their faces made this happiness apparent to all.
“Professing first vows filled me with joy and fulfilled a desire I have had for a long time,” Sr. Mary Gemma said. “I am filled with gratitude that Jesus called me and for all the ways He has worked in my life to make this moment possible.”
Professing one’s vows involves not only an internal change, but an external one as well. The evening before their profession, the three Sisters received the blue dress of the habit, along with a cincture, a crucifix, and the rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. During Mass, after professing their vows, the Sisters received the scapular and the badge of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and their white veils were exchanged for black veils, symbolizing their consecration.
Sr. Edith Marie recalled a moment before Mass began when, “…our wedding day became real, and everything that led up to it—sorrows and joys alike—was so unbelievably and indescribably worth it. I cannot wait to share the joy of Christ with everyone I meet.”
Sr. Mary Gemma, the daughter of George and Marcia Hund, is originally from Paxico, Kansas, and attended Sacred Heart parish in Newbury. Sr. Edith Marie, the daughter of Brett and Jennifer Lamborn, lived in Wichita during her high school years after growing up in various places around the country. Sr. Emilia Marie, the daughter of Theodore and Susan Sponsel, grew up in the Wichita area and attended St. Peter the Apostle parish.
When reflecting on the day, Sr. Emilia Marie said, “The moment my name was called for the summons, it was as if God was calling me again to be His as He had done so long ago.” Sr. Edith Marie entered the convent in August 2021, Sr. Mary Gemma and Sr. Emilia Marie followed in January 2022, and all three became novices in the summer of 2022. During the upcoming school year, the newly professed Sisters will be continuing their spiritual and apostolic formation at the convent, as well as taking college courses to prepare for the active apostolate of education.