Sister Shellane Obias Dala takes her final yes

DAVAO CITY – In a solemn ceremony held at the Presentation of Mary Chapel in Catalunan Grande, Davao City, Sister Shellane Obias Dala, pm, of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary made her perpetual profession of vows. The event, which took place on June 24, 2023, coincided with the feast of the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, adding an extra layer of significance to the occasion.

Officiated by Most Reverend Abel C. Apigo, D.D., the Bishop of Mati, the ceremony was attended by Sister Shellane’s family, who were acknowledged and thanked by the bishop for their selfless offering of Sister Shellane to God. Also present were priests, the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, led by their Provincial Superior, Sr. Samuelita P. Enriquez,pm, and members of the Marie Rivier Associates, along with friends of Sister Shellane.

Sister Shellane is the fourth of ten children from Borongan, Eastern Samar.

Bishop Apigo stated in his homily that Sister Shellane is prepared to sacrifice herself so that everyone may know Christ. Her Yes is indeed a gift to the congregation and to the Church. Thus, the perpetual profession of a religious is a powerful message of effective evangelization, that is, to leave everything behind and to proclaim the Good news. Bishop Apigo continued by saying that while there are opportunities at every age and the pull of the world is strong, some young people in our day are still sensitive to the tiny whisper of God, which is still heard by some young people in this generation like Sister Shellane. Hence, there were uncertain times in her life as she continued to commit her life to God. However, with the support of her sisters, she was able to go through the challenges with the help of God’s grace and the intercessions of St. Marie Rivier (the PM Sisters foundress) and the Blessed Virgin Mary. God delivered her from her darkest situation. Bishop Apigo emphasized that she was created by God with a specific purpose in mind. Sister Shellane is convinced that the Lord has called her from birth. He assured her of his prayers for her holy perseverance.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, an agape meal was served to everyone in the refectory of the Rivier Retreat House, where the family, friends, and guests of the newly perpetually professed enjoyed the food and the company of one another.

Greetings to our beloved Sister Shellane! More devoted and loving years of service! (Sr. Roselyn Garde and Alfie Billion)