January 1, 2015 marked the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God, the beginning of the New Year, and the entrance of Sr. Mary Mother of Hope Ayala, SSVM into the contemplative branch of our institute.

At the close of the Mass, Sr. Hope said good-bye to her family before entering the sanctuary to approach the image of Our Lady.  There she offered white roses to the Virgin Mary and prayed aloud a formal request for Her intercession and care in the new monastic life about to begin.  Sr. Hope then crossed from the sanctuary into the monastic enclosure where she was greeted by the prioress and the other members of the community.