In a deeply emotional and prayerful ceremony marked by faith, tears, and celebration, Benetta Dueh has officially begun her religious life after professing her First Religious Vows at St. Francis Parish in Pleebo, Maryland County.
With the profession of vows, she now bears the religious name Rev. Sister Benetta Dueh and formally entered the Congregation of the Holy Family, marking a major spiritual milestone in her journey of faith and commitment to God.
The solemn Mass, which took place recently, brought together Catholic faithful, clergy members, relatives, and well-wishers from across Maryland County, filling St. Francis Parish with a rare blend of reverence and celebration as the young woman publicly renounced worldly pursuits to dedicate her life to prayer, sacrifice, service, and obedience.
The ceremony was presided over by Bishop Andrew Jagaye Karnley of the Diocese of Cape Palmas, who received her vows and officially admitted her into the congregation after she made her public profession of commitment before the gathered church community.
Standing before a packed congregation dressed in her religious habit, Rev. Sister Dueh declared her readiness to embrace a life centered on spiritual mission and service. Her profession marked one of the most important stages in Catholic formation, where candidates publicly commit to live according to the vows and mission of their religious congregation.
Speaking during the ceremony, she expressed deep gratitude and emotion for her calling, saying:
“Today, my heart is overwhelmed with awe and gratitude for the wonders the Lord has done in my life. His mercy and love have surrounded me from the very beginning and today his joy overflows within me, for he has called me despite my weakness, my imperfections, and my limitations and he has chosen me to be His bride. What a profound and beautiful joy it is to be called the bride of the Master.”
Her words were met with quiet reflection and emotional response from members of the congregation, many of whom witnessed the spiritual milestone with visible pride and reverence.
In his pastoral message, Bishop Karnley urged the newly professed sister to remain faithful to her vocation, stressing that religious life requires endurance, humility, and unwavering trust in God.
“This calling requires sacrifice, commitment and complete dependence on God,” the Bishop emphasized.
He reminded her that the path she has chosen, while spiritually rewarding, also demands perseverance in the face of challenges and personal sacrifice.
The ceremony itself transformed St. Francis Parish into a place of deep spiritual reflection, as hymns filled the church and emotional scenes unfolded among family members, some of whom were seen wiping tears as they witnessed the young woman’s transition into religious life. Friends and well-wishers embraced in celebration, marking what many described as a rare and inspiring moment in the community.
For the Congregation of the Holy Family, Rev. Sister Dueh’s entry is seen as a strengthening of its mission of evangelization, education, humanitarian outreach, and pastoral service within communities across Liberia.
Several attendees described the occasion as uplifting and inspiring, noting that her decision reflects courage and devotion at a time when many young people face increasing social and economic pressures.
Religious leaders present at the ceremony also used the occasion to encourage more young people to consider vocations in religious life, emphasizing the importance of faith-based service and leadership in strengthening communities.
As the celebration continued after the Mass, Rev. Sister Benetta Dueh officially embarked on a new chapter defined by vows, sacrifice, and lifelong dedication to serving God and humanity.
