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Sister Maribah’s vow celebration a joyous occasion

Posted on October 3, 2024, by Claudia Calzetta SL

Barbara Nicholas looks on as Maribah signs her vows.
Photo by Donna Mattingly

On June 23, Loretto celebrated with Maribah Ishaq as she pronounced her first vows as a Sister of Loretto! This commitment was viewed by many at the Motherhouse, including many from Maribah’s former InterCongregational Collaborative Novitiate community, Sr. Nancy Gerth SCN, director, and friends who came from Iowa, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

The evening before the vow ceremony, a poignant blessing was held in the Loretto church. Wearing a magnificent Pakistani dress, Maribah was blessed by all present. Each person used blessed oil to place crosses on her head and placed drops of henna on a lovely tree leaf which she held in her hand. This traditional Pakistani blessing was prepared by Loretto Community members Nasreen Daniel, Maria Daniel, Samina Iqbal, Shaista Alyas and Saima Munir.

Claudia Calzetta poses with Maribah at the ceremony.
Photo by Donna Mattingly

Smiles were all that could be seen as she pronounced her vows the next day and slipped on her Loretto ring. Maribah spent many weeks preparing this vow ceremony and often commented that she wanted a simple ceremony with songs and prayers read and sung by those who played a significant part in her journey. Her family could not be present, but Maribah made time to speak to them on Zoom — beginning her thank-you comments by saying, “Hi Mom!” She has always considered her mother to be her best friend, and it was not lost on all present that Catherine, Maribah’s mother, was unable to travel to celebrate with her daughter.

Shaista Alyas, left, Donna Day, Maribah and Saima Munir enjoy the happy day.
Photo by Donna Mattingly

Once the ceremony concluded, all enjoyed a lovely meal that included delicious Pakistani dishes, capping off two days of celebration that reflected Maribah’s love of her country. She was showered with love, good wishes and blessings by all.

And now Maribah is off to Chicago to begin an MA program in pastoral studies at Catholic Theological Union. We wish her the best as she also begins her work as a newly affirmed Forum member. Congratulations always, and let Loretto be Loretto forever!

Shaista Alyas, left, and Saima Munir dance at Maribah’s vow ceremony. The Rev. Father Rasheed Peter Francis, background, was the Mass celebrant.
Photo by Donna Mattingly

Claudia Calzetta SL

Claudia (she/her) is a Sister of Loretto and has spent many years in varied forms of education — teacher, administrator and campus minister at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. She also spent six years as the Loretto Volunteer part-time coordinator in St. Louis. Claudia retired for approximately one year and recently has returned to this position. She loves gardening, traveling and baking French tarts and pies. She raises funds for Annunciation House in El Paso by selling her delicious desserts. Contact Claudia for more info.
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Loretto welcomes you

Learn more or plan a visit to the Motherhouse!