Madrid, Spain, Jan 8, 2006 / 22:00 pm
During a Mass offered by Bishop Jose Vilaplana of Santander, Spain, Sister Esperanza Zorroza Landia, 94, celebrated her 75 years as a professed religious with a moving renewal of vows. The ceremony was witnessed by numerous fellow Cistercians, diocesan priests and family members of Sister Esperanza.
Sister Esperanza entered the Cistercian monastery in 1929 at the age of 17, and four years later she made her perpetual vows. 75 years later, the Spanish nun renewed her commitment “with the same fervor as 75 years ago, reading the document with an explosion and tone of vitality, thus demonstrating her lucidness,” reported the Ivicon news agency.
In his homily, Bishop Vilaplana expressed gratitude for the witness of fidelity of Sister Esperanza and emphasized that “the secret of fidelity is love.”
After renewing her profession, a crown of white lilies and garland was placed on Sister Esperanza’s head as a sign of “her faithful combat in the service of the divine,” said members of her community.
The Cistercian nuns of Lierganes, Spain, said the event was a message for contemporary society and “an act of praise to God for the faith he has bestowed upon man.” “It is a moment of joy that reminds us that God can still mean total fulfillment in people’s lives.”
Photographs and reports of the ceremony have brought on a shower of praise for the nun from across Spain.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA