Sister Monica Makes Solemn Profession of Vows with Carmelites

Gathering at the main altar at the solemn profession of vows of Sister Monica at the Allentown Carmelite Monastery of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Coopersburg are, from left: Carmelite Mother Teresa Margarita; Carmelite Sister Arlene Marie; Marylyn Santos, Sister Monica’s mother; Father Mario Esposito; Carmelite Sister Monica; Deacon Christopher Kinsella, who serves St. Thomas More, Allentown; Bishop Alfred Schlert; Apostles of Jesus Father Augustine Indra; Apostles of Jesus Father Elias Munyaneza; Oblate of St. Francis de Sales Father Joseph Becker, the sister’s confessor at the monastery; Apostles of Jesus Father Bahati; and Edmund Santos, Sister Monica’s brother. (Photos courtesy of Michael Demyan)

By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer

Carmelite Sister St. Mary Jeanette Monica Santos (Sister Monica) made her solemn profession of vows June 8 at the Carmelite Monastery of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Coopersburg.

The Allentown Carmelite Monastery is also site of the Shrine of St. Therese of Liseux.

Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert presided at the ceremony.

Sister Monica is from the Mater Carmeli Monastery, Tarlac, Philippines. In February she and Sister Arlene Marie and Sister Mary Ann left the monastery to reinforce the Carmel of the Little Flower in the Allentown Diocese.

Carmelite Mother Mary Veronica, prioress of the monastery, said it was significant the ceremony took place the day before Pentecost.

“The universal Church expressed its joy as this young woman consecrated her life in poverty, chastity and obedience as Americans, Filipinos, Africans and Irish, among others, witnessed the event,” said Mother Veronica.

“The beautiful symbols – the ring of espousals with Jesus, the Breviary for the Life of Prayer and the Rules and Constitutions of the Carmelites – were presented to the newly professed,” Mother Veronica said.

“Now she can sing with the virgin martyr, St. Agnes, ‘I am a daughter of the Church,’” said Mother Veronica.

The Lehigh Valley Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) served as Sister Monica’s honor guard.
The Apostles of Jesus are chaplains of the monastery.