“You will be called by a new name, pronounced by the mouth of the Lord.”
Isaiah 62:2
After one year of postulancy, with the blessing of her Superiors and the Community’s Spiritual Advisor, the candidate is received into the Novitiate. On her clothing day, the novice receives her habit and her new name.
The first part of her name, “Sister Mary,” is a given: each Sister at this step takes on the name of Our Lady as an act of consecration to the Mother of God. The remainder of the name, however, is particular to the individual. The postulant is allowed to propose three names, along with an explanation of each, but ultimately it is the work of the Holy Spirit and the Superior to decide on one of the proposed names—or to choose a new one. The name chosen by the Superior is revealed at the moment of the clothing, along with a “fervorino” expounding upon the meaning of the new Sister’s identity and mission.
The new name bestowed upon the novice represents the new name received by the victorious in Heaven, “which no one knows except the one who receives it” (Revelation 2:17).
It also signifies the new identity taken on by the young woman as she officially enters into the way of life of a Daughter of the Virgin Mother. Each name contains a special significance and sheds light on a particular aspect of our charism.
In addition, each Sister receives a title that follows her name. This is a beautiful addition to our Religious name and adds yet another layer of meaning to ponder.
The Sister now enters into two years of novitiate formation, preceding her First Profession of Temporary Vows.
Sister Mary Raphael of the Divine Physician
“Our charism finds part of its foundation from Luke 8:1-3 – “Accompanying Him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.” Not only have each of us received personal healing through the Sacraments and a life of grace, but as Daughters of the Virgin Mother we are invested in praying for healing of wounds in the Priesthood. He chooses the weak to shame the wise, and as a very small instrument in His plan, I pray that He uses me to bring life, strength, and nobility to His priests.”
Sister Mary Elizabeth of the Annunciation
“St. Elizabeth was the first to recognize, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Life of the Messiah within her cousin Mary. As the first daughter to receive this charism held within the heart of Sr. Mary Raphael, I find a closeness with my patroness. From the initial evening that Sr. Mary Raphael shared about the future life of the Daughters of the Virgin Mother, I knew the Holy Spirit was at work and I asked to join. I pray that the rest of my Religious Life will be an echo of our Lady’s Magnifcat!”
Sister Mary Jacinta of the Holy Name of Mary
“The name “Jacinta”comes from “hyacinth” (Greek) and the word refers to both a springtime-flower and a precious stone. The Saint herself lived on this earth just under ten years, saw Our Lady at the age of seven, and with her brother, Francisco, was the first non-martyr child to demonstrate heroic virtue as a canonized saint. In entrusting to me a new identity and a new patroness, Our Lord was inviting me to new heights and to a new ideal. The little shepherdess has been teaching me what it means to seek after not only lost sheep but lost shepherds,desiring to be spent so as to aid our Good Shepherd in His search for souls. St. Jacinta’s desire to “do as Jesus did”, her tireless intercession for those commended to her prayers, her love and sacrifices for priests and Bishops (especially the Holy Father), and her thirst to make reparation to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary stand out as a noble example of what it means to be a Daughter of the Virgin Mother—seeking to be spent in reparation for the wounds in Christ’s Holy Priesthood.”
Sister Mary Lucia of the Seven Sorrows
“This name has two sides to it – joy and light & sorrow and darkness. Life is a continuous weaving of joy and sorrow, and maybe for some, the sorrows are more than the joys. This in some way should be a consolation, for we know very well that Christ is close to those who suffer. These sufferings mold and shape who we are and are turned into victories which delight our Lord. In the midst of suffering and darkness, there will always be joy and light.”
Sister Mary Agnes of the Eternal High Priest
“In Latin, Agnes comes from ‘Agnus,’ meaning ‘lamb.’ In the Greek, Agnes is from ‘Agnos,’ meaning ‘pure.’ St. Agnes was a virgin martyr who followed her Lord’s example by being a pure lamb that was sacrificed. Christ is both priest and victim. Agnes offered the sacrifice of her life for love of God in communion with His Blood. She died in memory of Christ’s priestly offering with Himself and now follows this Lamb wherever He goes.”
Sister Mary Lydia of the Holy Apostles
“My Religious name means for me my identity and missions as a Daughter of the Virgin Mother. St. Lydia was one of the women of the early Church who cared for the needs of the Apostles. Her zeal for the Faith and generous hospitality inspires me in service to the apostles of today, our priests and bishops. St. Lydia worked with purple cloth, which was the color of wealth and royalty. Today, our bishop’s wear the same Roman purple, as a sign of the great responsibility they have as Princes of the Church and descendants of the Apostles. As St. Lydia’s namesake, I feel called to “clothe” our bishops and priests with my prayers and also by the work of my hands, as she would have supported them both practically and spiritually. As one of Paul’s converts, she inspires me to have an open heart to the Word of God and a willingness to do whatever He asks of me.”
Sister Mary Philomena of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus
“I am named after St. Philomena, the virgin martyr. Philomena can mean ‘Daughters of Light,’ ‘Lover of Light,’ or my favorite ‘Beloved woman.’ St. Philomena gave her heart to her Divine Spouse, her Beloved. When I received my new name and title, and more so every time I receive the Holy Eucharist, He gives me His Heart. To be ‘of the Eucharistic Heart’ is one of my greatest joys and consolations. I also was gifted with the name of our Lady, who is the THE Beloved Woman, whose heart was pierced just as His, and whose heart beats with His even now.”
Sister Mary Agatha Rose of the Precious Blood
“There are three parts to my name and many layers of meaning, just as a rose has many layers of petals. The first part references St. Agatha, the Sicilian martyr in the very early Church who gave up her life, facing many sufferings out of love for Christ. The name ‘Agatha’ in Greek means ‘good.’ The second part of my name is ‘Rose’ for the title of Our Lady, the Mystical Rose. The last part, the ‘Precious Blood’ is for Our Lord’s Blood which is offered again at every Mass by every priest, which is enough to pay the cost for all of our sins and gives us freedom to live in mercy.”