Shaista Alyas and Saima Munir enter Loretto novitiate
Posted on October 4, 2024, by Loretto Community
Photo by Kathy Sullivan
Brand new Loretto novices are Saima Munir, who also uses Saima Kiran, and Shaista Alyas, both of whom lived with Nasreen Daniel, Maria Daniel and Samina Iqbal in Lahore, Pakistan.
On Aug. 15, 2024, Claudia Calzetta, director of formation, invited the young women to “cross a threshold of love and hope” as they formally began their Loretto novitiate.
Below is a portion of their ceremony which was available by Zoom for the Loretto Community and for Saima’s and Shaista’s families in Pakistan.
Samina Iqbal, the assistant formation director, had these encouraging words, “God invites you, giving you the grace to discover deeper relationships and new gifts as Loretto novices.”
Barbara Nicholas explained, “During your time at ICCN [InterCommunity Collaborative Novitiate], you will grow into Loretto’s charism of ‘loving service, rooted in Jesus on the cross and Mary at the foot of the cross.’” Then, on behalf of all Loretto members, she gave them a blessing.
President Elect Buffy Boesen quoted Fr. Charles Nerinckx who said, “Only trust your vocation, expecting all from God’s goodness” and added that “belonging to this Community supports the faith of each of us.” She gave her blessing on behalf of every Loretto member.
Officially welcoming Saima and Shaista into the novitiate, Claudia said, “I entrust you to Jesus and Mary, who today continue to lead you to God. As you begin your canonical year and work at ICCN, always remember the purpose for which God created you. God will never stop pursuing you because God’s love for you is unfailing.” She added words from Jeremiah (31:3), “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Claudia continued, “Remember, you are chosen and handpicked by God. And so today we entrust you to Jesus and Mary.”
Photo by Kathy Sulivan
Claudia gave each young woman a cross to wear as a symbol of their new commitment in Loretto. Saima and Shaista each responded, “I accept this cross as a sign of my commitment as I begin my novitiate year.”
As an ending to the ceremony, Donna Day led the singing of “We give you glory, thanks and praise.”
The Zoom stayed on so that everyone could add congratulations and thanks to Saima and Shaista.
Interchange staff all congratulate Saima and Shaista and welcome them wholeheartedly.
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