| On Thursday, June 19th, Sister Lyan Tri handed over the role of Provincial to Sister Jessica Kerber during a prayer service at St. Raphaela Center Chapel. Lyan passed a lit candle to Jessica, which was given to her two years ago by Sister Belen, who served as Provincial before Lyan. The flame of love is passed on with great trust in God’s abiding presence. Sister Jessica will serve as Provincial of the United Stated Province, continuing to reside in St. Louis, Missouri where she teaches Ignatian Spirituality at Saint Louis University and serves as Formator for Handmaids in formation. |
| “At this threshold moment, we all say yes as a Province to be the Body of Christ, with our dreams and our realities. We are a dynamic group of people – Handmaids, Associates, friends and partners. We are diverse in our stories, and absolutely alive with a love that’s ready to be given, ready to be poured out. This Chapel and this community give witness to the flame of faith that is very, very alive. Throughout all of my years as a Handmaid, the one truth that continues to come forth is this: I love this Congregation very much, because it has also loved me. It has formed me into a woman capable of loving and capable of knowing myself as part of a much larger body. This is who we are together: the Body of Christ. I am humbled to receive this flame as we continue to seek together. I am incredibly grateful to Lyan for her ultimate gift of self that she has given us. I am humbled to follow you, Lyan; indeed, you leave big shoes. And I go forward with great trust that it is God who calls us forth with great desire, trust and creativity.” – Jessica Kerber, aci Provincial |
