Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus are pictured here renewing their profession of vows on July 2. They are from left to right: Sr. Angela Therese, who is also celebrating her 60 year Silver Jubilee; Sr. Blandine, celebrating 50 year Golden Jubilee; Sr. Maria Carmelita renewing her temporary vows for the fourth time; and Sr. Teresa Margaret renewing her temporary vows for the first time.

Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus' mission of serving the elderly and children is what one sister who celebrated her diamond jubilee calls, "two ends of the rainbow." The July Profession of Vows and Jubilee Celebration Mass was held in the chapel of Mount Carmel Home the Provincial House for the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus and celebrant Bishop James Tamayo, bishop of the Diocese of Laredo, led the Mass at which four of the Carmelite sisters renewed or professed their vows.

The Order of Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus is a contemplative/apostolic order whose apostolic work focuses on children and the elderly. Each of the four Carmelite Sister honored have had different life experiences, but all are united in their desire to serve the Lord and his people.

Two Carmelite sisters looked to their future of service and devotion by professing temporary vows for the first and fourth time. Sr. Teresa Margaret Mojica, age 31, had just begun her journey when she made her First Profession of Temporary Vows on July 2, while Sr. Maria Carmelita Navarro, age 39, professed for the fourth and final time the Renewal of Temporary Vows.

For Sr. Teresa Margaret professing her temporary vows for the first time was a tremendously joyful experience. "I find my heart is fulfilled. I am complete," she said. With five more years to go before making her final vows, she loves the life God has chosen for her – working with the elderly and children. "The Holy Spirit has touched me so much and I have always loved the Blessed Sacrament," she said. "I will go wherever I am called."

Each year for the past four years, Junior Professed Sr. Maria Carmelita has renewed her temporary vows. In 2011 she will profess her perpetual vows. Sr. Maria Carmelita spends her days as the administrator for Mount Carmel Home, which is a retirement home for the elderly. "I have primarily worked with the elderly. We have so much to learn from the elderly." She encourages other women to "be open to the grace of God. Open your heart to the fire and light, and answer God's call. There is so much joy in religious life. It is such a beautiful life in serving and loving God. This is a wonderful adventure with never a dull moment."

Along with renewing of their vows, Sr. Angela Therese Lovato and Sr. Blandine Berger also celebrated Diamond (60 years) and Golden Jubilees (50 years) respectively. Both sisters said that it was just as wondrous an occasion as it had been the first time they had professed their vows to become members of the Carmelite Sisters DCJ.

Sr. Angela Therese, the eldest sibling of ten younger brothers, was raised in New Mexico. Her mother read her stories about saints when she was a child and after she graduated from high school, her godmother took her to visit the Carmelite Sisters in California. She entered the convent in August 1948 and for 60 years she has served God by teaching and caring for children. She taught kindergarten for thirty plus years, and now teaches art and music to three, four and five-year-old children. "When you work with children, it keeps you young," said Sr. Angela Therese, who at age 82 shows no sign of slowing down. She is currently living in San Antonio teaching at the Carmelite Learning Center.

Celebrating 50 years as a Carmelite Nun, Sr. Blandine Berger, 82, calls herself "a jack of all trades. I have worked in many different areas." Sr. Blandine said that she feels joyous "for this wonderful life which God has given me. I have had so many years of blessings."

In his homily Bishop Tamayo welcomed all the Carmelite sisters, their families and friends. Bishop Tamayo then spoke of the joy and love the sisters have shown for Christ. Addressing Sr. Teresa Margaret and Sr. Maria Carmelita, Bishop Tamayo said, "Today with joy and freedom, you choose to live with Christ for the rest of your life. In laying down one's life, you have picked up the true life. You are not a prisoner, but you are lovingly coming to One who can give you everything."

Bishop Tamayo then thanked Sr. Angela Therese and Sr. Blandine for their dedication and untiring devotion to God. "Today is your day. We are thanking the Lord for the love you have shown," he said.

After the homily Provincial Superior, Sr. Lydia Ann Braun, Carmel DCJ, sat in a chair placed in front of the altar and Sr. Teresa Margaret, still wearing her white novice veil, knelt in front of her superior and professed her vows to become a member of the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus. Sister Lydia Ann then blessed her and the white veil of the novice was removed.

Sister Teresa Margaret was then given a white mantle and a black veil representative of a Junior Professed Sister. For the next five years she will serve the order to live a life of chastity, poverty and obedience. She then knelt in front of Bishop Tamayo to receive his blessing. Bishop Tamayo gave her a crucifix, which she will wear under her brown scapular. Bishop Tamayo then gave her a blessed, white-lit candle symbolizing the light of Christ in her life.

As Sister Teresa Margaret returned to her place in the chapel, Sister Maria Carmelita knelt in front of Provincial Superior Sister Lydia Ann to renew her temporary vows. She also receiving a blessing from Sister Lydia Ann and Bishop Tamayo, was given a blessed white-lit candle and then returned to her place in the chapel and prayed with the other sisters in the community as all of the Carmelite sisters renewed their vows.

Sister Angela Therese and Sister Blandine each came forward to receive prayers and blessings from Bishop Tamayo as he gave each of them a blessed white-lit candle.

After Mass, family and friends gathered in the Mount Carmel Home dining room for lunch.