On July 16, 2022, Sisters Florentine Zannou, Amandine Hounkpèvi and Yvette Bagoudou took their first vows. The parish of St. Bernard of Malanhoui in the diocese of Porto-Novo hosted the event in the presence of Provincial Samuele Markanović and Msgr. Aristide Gonsallo, Bishop of Porto-Novo, who led the Eucharistic celebration.
On Saturday, July 16, 2022, in the parish of Saint Bernard de Malanhoui in Porto Novo at 9:30 a.m., Florentine Zannou, Amandine Hounkpèvi and Yvette Bagoudou solemnly entered the church to the sounds and rhythms of the choir of the Sisters of Mary of the Miraculous Medal. During the Holy Mass, these three sisters laid their temporary vows in the hands of Sr. Samuele Markanović, Provincial of the Sisters of Mary of the Miraculous Medal, and in the presence of two witness sisters: Sr. Delegate Benoîte Adda and Julienne Agossa, novice master.
In his sermon, Bishop Aristide Gonsallo addressed the three nuns and gave evangelical advice on poverty, chastity and obedience, the basis of their vows. “Poor in the image of Jesus, you are called to save the poor. By your pure love for your neighbor, you will suffer in the light of the pure Christ, the source of purity. My dear daughters, obedience is to listen to God so listen to Him. Understand why the servant of God will not seek quarrel” he declares. “The secret of success in a consecrated life is the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Carmel. If you take care of her, she will take care of you. Ask Mary to pray that you receive the grace to give yourself completely into the hands of God, may His will be done in you with joy and gratitude,” he added. Thanking the parents for their support, the prelate also heartily congratulated the mother provincial at the end of her stay, for her motherly presence.
On behalf of the vowed sisters, Sister Yvette Bagoudou thanked all the people who came from the Diocese of Cotonou and N’dala to experience this important event with them. In a friendly atmosphere enriched by a good meal and traditional dances, the sisters continued to thank God.
