Final Profession

Bishop presides at final profession of Filippini sister

MORRISTOWN  On the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, Aug. 22, Sister Diana Yodris made her final profession as a Religious Teacher Filippini at St. Lucy Chapel, Villa Walsh, here, the motherhouse of the Filippinis. Bishop Serratelli, who presided at the final profession, was the principal celebrant of the Mass, with other priests as concelebrants.

Sister Diana, a native of Baltimore, has spent many years in New Jersey. Prior to her entrance into the order, she was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Parish, Allendale. Sister Diana was officially received as a permanent member of the Religious Teachers Filippini by Filippini Sister Ascenza Tizzano, provincial superior, through the authority of the Superior General, Sister Nicolina Bandiera, who resides in Rome. Family members, friends, and community members gathered to witness, support, and celebrate this special occasion. A reception was held in Mother Ninetta Hall following the liturgy.

Sister Diana entered the Religious Teachers Filippini in August 2011. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the College of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station, and a master’s degree in business education from Rider University, Lawrenceville. While in formation, Sister Diana attended many programs sponsored by the Religious Formation Conference and interacted with religious who were also in formation. Sister Diana was the religious education coordinator at Holy Family Parish, Nutley, for three years. She has now been reassigned as an intermediate grade teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas School, Rio Rancho, N.M.

“Formation is not always an easy road,” said Sister Ascenza. “And for those of you who know her story, Sister Diana did this twice. Her willingness to agree to a second formation period, this time four years, emphasizes her strong desire to want to be a Filippini sister.”