Valencia, Spain, May 3, 2012 / 15:05 pm
A 70-year-old widow, who is a mother of three and grandmother of five, made her solemn vows as a Poor Clare contemplative nun in the town of Canals in Spain.
Sister Celia de Jesus, as she is now known, made her perpetual vows at the Convent of St. Clare, where she volunteered with her husband until he passed away in 2004. According the AVAN news agency, she has been in formation with the order since then.
“Before entering the convent, Sister Celia de Jesus worked with Catholic Action of Valencia and cared for the sick. Once her husband died, she decided to completely devote herself to the Lord as a religious,” the news agency reported.
Her final profession was attended by her children and grandchildren and celebrated by Father Miguel Albinana. Twelve priests from surrounding parishes who visit the convent also concelebrated.
The Poor Clares were founded by St. Clare of Assisi in 1212. She was the first woman to have her rule approved by the Church, and the order was established in Spain in 1228. Pope Alexander IV canonized her in 1255.