A “Yes” to a Life of Love and Service

August 22, 2026 | The Church joyfully celebrated the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a loving Mother who gave her life fully to God. Mary is queen because she first became the humble handmade of the Lord. Her greatness is found not in earthly power but, in her complete surrender to God’s will, she teaches us to say with love and trust, “Let it be done to me according to your Word”.

This celebration became even more meaningful with the First Profession of Vows and Investiture of Maria Claudette Esteban and Maria Filomena Zeta of the Sisters Apostles of Jesus Crucified. Their profession of vows is a beautiful witness of two young women who have chosen to say “yes” to God and through the Evangelical Councils of chastity, poverty and obedience desiring to follow Christ more closely and to dedicate their lives to prayer, sacrifice, service, love and faithful imitation of Jesus Crucified.

The Eucharistic Celebration on the occasion of the First Profession of Vows and Investiture was presided over by Rev. Fr. Leif Simbajon, the Parish Priest of St. John Paul II Parish, Los Amigos, together with concelebrating priests and was held at the AJC Sisters’ Formation House and Spirituality Center in Biao Guianga, Tugbok, Davao City.

In his homily, he reminded us that God does not choose only the strong, perfect, or important people. He reveals His grace even to the simple and ordinary, as seen in Mary. “In spite of the situation, and the context of the time, God reveals his grace to the simple, the ordinary and the unworthy” he said. Mary’s faith shows us that when we trust God, in the end he said, “If you see the acronym of the word faith, we can see the meaning of what faith can do to us, for all is truly happening Maria Claudette and Maria Filomena, it is also your faith. And today, this is a manifestation, for all is truly happening in your lives when you offer your lives to the Lord, imitating the very example of our Blessed Mother”.

After the homily, the candidates were called to the altar for the examination of their commitment and readiness to embrace consecrated life. They were then invited to profess their vows and place their hands into the hands of Sr. Maria Angela Remonde AJC, delegate of Mother Maria Saveria Palmisano AJC, General Superior, as a sign of their complete offering and commitment to God.

After the profession of vows, the religious habits and crosses were blessed. The newly professed sisters then received and wore their habits and crosses, marking a new step in their journey as consecrated women. Following the investiture, the newly professed sisters were formally welcomed by the religious community. Through an embrace of peace, the sisters expressed their joy and acceptance.

As the Eucharistic Celebration ended, Sr. Maria Angela Remonde, AJC read the message of Mother Maria Saveria Palmisano, General Superior. After the message, Sr. Maria Claudette Esteban, AJC gave a message of gratitude on behalf of the newly professed sisters. She expressed her heartfelt thanks to their families, formators, sisters, and all those who accompanied them throughout their journey. In her message, she shared a touching message, “We may not be the perfect daughters, but we give Jesus the perfect sign.” She thanked everyone for their love, sacrifices, and generosity, especially for supporting and offering them back to Jesus through their vocation.

Lastly, may we continue to pray to Sr. Maria Claudette Esteban, AJC and Sr. Maria Filomena Zeta, AJC on their vocation, may your “yes” to Christ continue to grow each day and become a blessing to the Church and to many people. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, guide them and accompany them each day. (Jonathan Paeldilan | SJPII SoCCom Coordinator)