On July 9, during the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, I had the joy of professing my first vows as a Carmelite Sister of Charity of Vedruna at Santa Joaquina Parish in Vedruna, Bogotá. It was a deeply meaningful day for me, not only because I began a new stage in my vocational journey, but also because that same date, years ago, marked the beginning of my formation process. I felt that God was telling me once again that His faithfulness has accompanied every step of my life’s journey.
Upon receiving the Congregation’s medal, I renewed my desire to belong ever more fully to Christ and to follow Jesus by living the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience, inspired by the charism of Saint Joaquina de Vedruna. The motto that accompanied this celebration—“Free Forever Through Your Love”—expresses the deepest longing of my heart: to respond with freedom and trust to the love with which God has called me.
One of the greatest gifts of this day was being able to celebrate at El Oasis as well, alongside the Christian community that accompanied me during the first steps of my journey of faith and vocational discernment. Returning there after two years was a reminder that God uses many people and communities to gradually shape a vocation. Sharing this moment with them was a way of expressing my gratitude for the prayer, love, and support they have sown in my life from the very beginning.
Another moment I will always cherish in my heart was having my parents there. Being able to have them with me on such an important day was an immense gift from God. I was particularly moved by the words my mom spoke on behalf of both of them. Her message was simple, full of love and faith, and it confirmed just how much it has meant to them to walk this path with me, even amid the challenges it has entailed. I felt that, in some way, they, too, were offering their own “yes” alongside mine.
After the celebration, we shared a time of fellowship. More than just sharing, it was a sign of family, of communion, and of the joy that arises when a vocation is welcomed as a gift for everyone.
Today I can only thank God for His faithfulness. I thank my sisters in the community, the community at the VedrunaAmérica Novitiate (Brazil), my family, my friends, the communities that have been part of my story, and all the people who have supported me with their prayers. Each one has been an instrument of the Lord to strengthen my vocation and remind me that I never walk alone.
I entrust this new phase of my life to Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá and to Saint Joaquina of Vedruna, so that they may continue to accompany me and teach me to live freely forever through their love, making my life a service of love, closeness, and hope.
Sister Karen Lorena Jaramillo Cardona
