Two SSpS missionaries in Russia, celebrated their Golden Jubilee of consecrated life. Their unwavering faithfulness is a testament to the purpose and beauty of religious life, even amidst challenging circumstances.
In today’s world, religious life may seem less inviting, even for Catholics. Is there still a purpose to this way of life? While the outcome of such a decision may be uncertain, one can always aspire to cultivate something beautiful from it. Sr. Agata Helena Kovalcikova and Sr. Monika Emilia Guzmicka, who served as missionaries in Russia for more than 20 years, are shining examples of this. On June 9, 2024, they celebrated their Golden Jubilee by renewing their vows of religious life at the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Tambov, Russia—one of two parishes where the SVD and SSpS serve.
Why share this joyful moment in a parish where many believe the Sisters should leave due to the ongoing war? Some might think that by staying, they are taking sides in the conflict. However, this is not the case. As Catholics, and especially as religious Sisters, we profess our belief every time we recite the Creed: “I believe,” meaning, “I give my heart.” This belief extends to our religious vows. Our decision to remain in Russia is a reflection of our commitment to God, not a political stance.
The faithfulness of Sr. Agatha and Sr. Monika left a deep impression on the parishioners who attended the celebration. Artur, an Orthodox man shared, “Now I understand what fidelity to God means through the life of these two sisters. After more than 20 years, it is clear to me the way God leads me all the time in life, how He has driven me to come to this church and not to other churches.”.
The celebration itself has left a great impression on most of the parishioners. Ekaterina, who just joined the Catholic Church not so long ago said, “It is a great blessing to see the testimony of two nuns who have gone through such a long journey of serving God.” She added her thoughts connected with the vows. “I think, nowadays, it is very important to talk about religious vows, especially to the younger generation. After all, monastic vows are often perceived as something that people refuse because such a life is one of sacrifice and suffering. Vows are often seen as burdensome sacrifices, but in reality, they lead to a life of abundance.”
Ruth, a medicine student from Nigeria, added, “When God calls a person to religious life, He gives them the grace to fulfill the vows they have taken. They will not do it by their own strength but by the grace God gives them.” Yana, a teenager, reflected on the seriousness of the decision: “Religious life is a personal conversation with God. For young people today, vows like obedience, chastity, and poverty are moral choices that some will follow, and others will not.”
Maybe for many young people or even adults, religious vows are just simply moral guidelines that can be followed or ignored. Our “CREDO” to God is not about doing what is good or bad or taking sides in a conflict. It is about discerning and following God’s plan for the salvation of all people. The path may be painful and full of challenges, but in the end, consecrated life is one lived for God. Whether our congregation will leave Russia because of the war is a question we must continue to discern. For now, we wait and listen to what God is calling us to do.
Sr. Agata, Helena Kovalcíková, SSpS – Province of Russia
[translated by] Sr. Maria Magdalena Agustina Jose, SSpS – Province of England/Ireland
Sr. Agata and Sr. Monika renewing their vows in the presence of the Sisters and the parish community.
The celebration continued after the mass.
The day was a joyful moment for the Sisters and the people.
Ekaterina, who just joined the Catholic Church, “It is a great blessing to see the testimony of two nuns.”
Artur [left, seated], an Orthodox man shared, “Now I understand what fidelity to God means through the life of these two sisters
