May 4, 2007

Carmelite Sister Teresa of Jesus professes vows at Terre Haute

Discalced Carmelite Sister Teresa of JesusDiscalced Carmelite Sister Teresa of Jesus, the former Jeanette Griffith, made her solemn profession of vows on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 15, with the Carmel at the Monastery of St. Joseph in Terre Haute.

This act of commitment binds her for life to the Discalced Carmelite order as a permanent member of the Terre Haute community.

Sister Teresa was born in Trinidad, and had a rich and varied life before entering the Carmel of Terre Haute on Aug. 15, 2000. She was married, has a grown daughter, Lia, and practiced as a professional midwife in England, Holland and the U.S.

After her daughter reached the age of independence, Griffith began to seriously explore the possibility of realizing her desire to become a woman religious.

She had been a member of a lay secular Carmelite community for several years when she began her search to enter religious life.

She entered the Carmel of Terre Haute on Aug. 15, 2000, received the habit of Carmel on Oct. 15, 200l, and made her first profession on April 15, 2004.

Sister Teresa of Jesus has now sealed her commitment with her solemn profession of poverty, chastity and obedience according to the Rule and Constitutions of the Discalced Carmelite order.

Upon making her solemn profession, Sister Teresa was given the black veil, the Carmelite symbol of a permanently professed religious. The black veil replaces the white veil she wore as a novice and a nun in temporary vows.

She is now a chapter member of the community, taking part in decision-making and assuming more responsibilities. Her nursing skills are a significant gift to the community.

The sisters rejoiced with Sister Teresa as she gave her life to Jesus through a permanent commitment of love and fidelity in the service of the Church. †

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