Sister Gabriela Ramirez, of the Misioneras Guadalupanas del Espíritu Santo, was received into the Transfer Program of Sacred Heart Monastery during Vespers on Saturday, April 15, 2023. During the ritual of entrance into the program, Sister Janet Marie Flemming, Transfer Director, presented Sister Gabriela to Sister Elisabeth Meadows, Prioress, who then inquired of Sister Gabriela what she seeks from the community. Following Sister Gabriela’s response, Sister Elisabeth presented her with a copy of our Community Philosophy, a copy of the Constitution of the Monastic Congregation of St. Scholastica, and a Benedictine medal. She also assured Sister Gabriela of the community’s prayers and support during the transfer process. The community then recited words of support and all present joined in a blessing.
The Transfer Program is a structured process by which a Sister, after a period of discernment, transitions from one Religious community or congregation to another. In entering the program, Sister Gabriela begins a three year period of growing deeper in her connection to our community, in her understanding of the Benedictine charism, and in continuing to discern the call of God. The simple ceremony during Vespers followed a year during which Sister Gabriela has resided at Sacred Heart, getting to know the community and participating in their prayer and work.
In her many years as a Guadalupana Sister, Sister Gabriela served in many roles over the years, including youth ministry, vocation and formation work, social services, and Hispanic ministry. Presently, Sister Gabriela continues in her ministry Director of Emergency and Disaster Services for the Diocese of Birmingham as she participates in the life of the monastic community. The Sisters are delighted to have Sister Gabriela among them.
