Our hearts are full: Welcoming a new Loretto sister in Pakistan

The new sister becomes a thread in the intricate design of our congregation, weaving her story into the larger narrative of faith, devotion and fellowship.

Nasreen Daniel SL

In the tapestry of faith, the threads of community weave together to create a vibrant and diverse congregation. Our spiritual family is being enriched with the addition of Sister Maribah Ishaq, bringing a renewed sense of joy and connection.

The arrival of Maribah in Lahore, Pakistan, in 2020 was cause for celebration. It was a moment that echoes the teachings of love, acceptance and unity that form the foundation of our faith.

After a considerable span without the new addition of a sister to our Community, she is a breath of fresh air, infusing our spiritual journey with a renewed sense of anticipation and excitement. After four years living with sisters of Loretto in Pakistan and in the U.S., Maribah decided to ask Barbara Nicholas SL, Loretto’s president, if she could be admitted to vowed life. And on June 23, 2024, a long-awaited day arrives when a new vowed member is entering the Loretto Community.

As we extend a warm embrace to our Sister Maribah, we recognize the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity within our congregation. The transition into a new spiritual community can be both exciting and daunting, and it is incumbent upon us to make this transition as smooth and comforting as possible. The shared values that unite us in this congregation create a common ground upon which genuine connections can be forged. Our collective experiences, shared moments of worship and acts of kindness contribute to the tapestry of our shared journey. The significance of a new sister in the congregation goes beyond the individual. It serves as a reminder that our spiritual family is dynamic and ever-evolving. Each member brings a unique perspective, contributing to the richness and diversity that defines our communal identity. The new sister becomes a thread in the intricate design of our congregation, weaving her story into the larger narrative of faith, devotion and fellowship.

Maribah is a talented young woman who has great potential for Loretto in Pakistan and for the Loretto congregation. As she moved closer to the decision to pronounce her first vows, I observed a committed, enthusiastic, generous and loving woman. Loretto will be all the more enriched by her committed membership.

Claudia Calzetta SL, Pakistan Formation Program director

As we embrace our new sister, let us also reflect on the responsibility we bear as a Community to nurture and support her holistic growth. By opening our hearts and minds, we create an environment in which all members flourish and contribute to the collective spiritual journey. Together, we embark on a shared expedition of faith, strengthened by the bonds of unity that define us Sisters of Loretto.

Welcome Maribah!

To read all the articles in the Spring/Summer 2024 issue of Loretto Magazine, click here.