Postulant from Texas Becomes Franciscan Novice

On the feast of St. Anthony of Padua, we welcomed Sister Michelle Marie Ozuna as a Novice of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity! We celebrated the Rite of Initiation into Religious Life on June 13, 2023. Community Director Sister Natalie Binversie shares her comments given during the ceremony in St. Mary’s Chapel at our Motherhouse in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Sister Michelle Marie is from St. Paul Catholic Church, Austin, Texas. 

Sister Michelle Marie, welcome as a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. Sister Michelle Marie, the name you have been given has significance for you. Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, has been your guide and your inspiration. Michelle is a form of Michael. You saw it fitting to have a name combining Mary and St. Michael, journeying together, drawing closer to Christ. God called you by your name, Michelle, now to be Sister Michelle Marie. Your Feastday, Our Lady, Queen of the Angels, August 2nd, is the Franciscan feast of the Portiuncula. 

Sister Natalie Binversie announces Novice Sister Michelle Marie Ozuna’s religious name.

 The title you chose is Handmaid of His Radiant Love. You will celebrate this feastday on March 25th, the Annunciation of the Lord. You wrote that The Solemnity of the Annunciation celebrates Mary’s wholehearted acceptance of the will of God. Mary has helped guide you and has led you, throughout your discernment journey and spiritual growth, to your joyful acceptance of your call to Religious Life. Mary’s example will be your guide and help throughout your life as you follow God’s will with your daily response of “YES!” Mary’s “yes,” set into motion our salvation and the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through the Holy Eucharist we are reminded of the Incarnation of Jesus, the spiritual nourishment for our body and soul.

 In your letter asking to be received into the Novitiate you wrote, “I could not even begin to count the blessings of being here amongst so many endearing and beautiful souls found within the Sisters here in the Motherhouse and in St. Rita’s Health Center. I am blessed with the opportunity to care for the St. Rita Sisters in a way that allows the one-on-one time to get to know them and to witness their gifts. I have learned so much in my short time here, concerning what it really means to answer my call to Religious Life as a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity. Throughout my journey, I have felt many moments of grace answered in liturgy, a song verse, other Sisters, a sudden opportunity for joy in nature…too many instances to count, but for me, it is assurance in faith of being on my right and enlightened path. I would very much like to continue leaping forward bit by bit, as I unwrap this beautiful gift of vocation to Religious Life as a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity. I would like the accompaniment of the Community as I progress deeper towards Christ in my discernment.” 

 Sister Michelle Marie, during the time of Novitiate, active ministry is put aside. You will continue to learn the essential elements of the Consecrated Life. Your day will focus on prayer, deepening your relationship with Jesus, the study of Franciscan Spirituality and Community Life and the application to our life as a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity. Sister Michelle Marie, please be assured of the prayers and support of all your Sisters.  In a few minutes, please listen carefully to the words we will pray for you after the Our Father. We walk this journey of Formation with you. Always remember that God is with us every step of the way, as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. 

 God bless you!