Dedicated to Jesus in Virginity Simi Sahu Enters Order of Virgins Living in the World
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FACEBOOK @FLORIDACATHOLIC | Feb. 19-25, 2021 FLORIDACatholic PALM BEACH DIOCESE Dedicated to Jesus in virginity Simi Sahu enters order of virgins living in the world CECILIA PADILLA of the Florida Catholic staff PALM BEACH GARDENS | Dressed in a flowing gown of white lace, Simi Sahu approached the beautifully decorated sanctuary of the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, Feb. 11, 2021, ready to be consecrated to a life of virginity for women living in the world. Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito addressed the young wom- an with three questions: “Are you resolved to persevere to the end of your days in the holy state of virginity and in the service of God and his Church? Are you resolved to follow Christ in the spirit of the Gospel that your whole life may be a faithful witness to God’s love and a convincing sign of the kingdom of heaven? Are you resolved to accept solemn con- secration as a bride of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God?” To these questions Sahu humbly, yet with conviction, answered a resounding, “I am.” With these words, Sahu became the first con- FYI secrate virgin from • To view Simi Sahu’s Rite of the St. Thomas Syro Consecration to a Life of Virginity for Malabar Diocese of Women Living in the World from Feb. Chicago. She received 11, 2021, visit the Diocese of Palm special permission Beach Office of Vocations Facebook from Bishop Mar Jacob @PBVocations. Angadiath to remain • To read the March 2020 Syro-Malabar Catholic Florida Catholic interview with Simi and is now joining the Sahu as she shares her faith journey Order of Virgins at the During the Rite of Consecration to a Life of Virginity for Women Living in the World, Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito and more about consecrated virgin- Diocese of Palm Beach. places a ring on Simi Sahu’s finger saying, “Receive the ring that marks you as a bride of Christ. Keep unstained your ity, visit www.thefloridacatholic.org. Although there are oth- fidelity to your bridegroom, that you may one day be admitted to the wedding feast of everlasting joy.” (PHOTOS er consecrated virgins BY CECILIA PADILLA | FC) living in the Diocese of Palm Beach, she is the first to receive formation and be con- who made sacrifice of marriage for the sake of the love of secrated in the diocese. which it is the sign. They renounce the joys of human mar- What is a consecrated virgin? The Office of Vocations riage but, cherish all that it foreshadows.” of the Diocese of Palm Beach explained that in the New The rite continues, “Those who choose chastity have Testament, we find the image of the Church as the Bride looked upon the face of Christ, its origin and inspiration. of Christ. This image reveals the intimate relationship Je- They give themselves wholly to Christ, the son of the ever- sus wants with those who believe in him. Since apostolic virgin Mary, and the heavenly bridegroom of those who in times, this expression of the mystery of the Church has his honor dedicate themselves to the lasting virginity.” been demonstrated by women who are dedicated to Jesus These words are further symbolized in Sahu receiving in virginity. They experience the spiritual fertility of an a veil and ring from the bishop, denoting her commitment intimate relationship with him and offer the fruits of this and devotion to her bridegroom, Jesus. The bishop also pre- relationship to the Church and the world. Consecrated sented her with the Liturgy of the Hours, “the prayer of the virgins dedicate their life in prayer and service to the Church.” Bishop Barbarito said to Sahu, “May the praise of Church but, unlike nuns and sisters, they live and work in our heavenly Faither be always on your lips, pray without the secular world. This vocation is rare with only around Simi Sahu humbly lays on the ground during the Litany ceasing for the salvation of the whole world.” 200 Consecrated Virgins in the United States, and around of the Saints. At the end of the Mass, Sahu turned to her family and 4,000 in the world. friends in the pews, as well as to those watching from home, Sahu’s consecration was greatly anticipated, not only be- — tuned in from home via the livestream feed provided by to express her gratitude for all those who saw her through cause it was a first for many to witness in the Diocese of Palm Shalom Media. Members of the Emmanuel Church family, the discernment process. She reflected on what it means to Beach, but also because of its almost year-long postpone- where Sahu works as the parish accountant, were also pres- become a consecrated virgin during present times. ment from March 25, 2020. Shortly before the original date ent. Sahu said, “I always wondered what the Second Vatican of consecration, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the diocese Sahu chose a new date of consecration that coincided with Council fathers had in mind to be proclaiming Christ as to suspend Masses to the public, forcing Sahu to postpone the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, an image of the Blessed bridegroom in this vocation for some women to image the her plans. Mother who visited young Bernadette Soubirous with the church as bride of Christ. I thought how interesting it was That did not deter the young woman, however, from un- intention of inspiring others to follow more deeply her son, they chose the late 1960s to be proclaiming this vocation. dergoing an extended discernment process. On Feb. 11, 2021, Jesus Christ. The cathedral was decorated for a wedding cel- And 2021, hardly seems like a better time for such a spousal a limited number of family and friends sat in the pews of the ebration with lilac tulle lining the main aisle and brightly and amorous title for Jesus to be called the bridegroom. It cathedral socially distanced and wearing facial coverings, colored floral arrangements displayed on the altar steps. seems a little bit much and maybe even a little shocking eagerly awaiting to see Sahu walk down the aisle. Many of This image of Sahu as the bride of Christ is outlined in the but, perhaps this title was made exactly for a time like this. her loved ones — in the United States and in her native India language of the rite, “God’s loving wisdom chooses those Who is bridegroom if not Jesus?” n 2 YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY Facebook @FloridaCatholic Feb. 19-25, 2021 The Order of Virgins: A prophetic vocation Editor’s note: The following is Bishop Gerald Barbarito’s homily during the consecration to the Order of Virgins of Simi Tresa Sahu, Feb. 11, 2021. FLORIDA Simi, my sister in Christ, it was almost a year ago, on the feast of Catholic the Annunciation, that you were DIOCESE OF PALM BEACH to be consecrated in the Order of Virgins. Due to the restrictions im- Vol. 82 posed upon us by the coronavirus, that celebration was wisely post- 9995 North Military Trail poned until today, the feast of Our Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 Lady of Lourdes. You chose both 561-775-9500 • Fax 561-630-2698 days in honor of the Blessed Vir- gin Mary. We are all so joyful to be PUBLISHER Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito here, your family, your friends, as well as those not DIRECTOR OF able to be here COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING but are watch- and SOCIAL MEDIA ing this celebra- Jennifer Trefelner [email protected] tion through 561-775-9529 livestreaming. This is truly a day DIOCESAN EDITOR for the Church, Cecilia Padilla LIVING THE our Diocese and [email protected] TRUTH IN for all society so Simi Sahu, third from left, celebrates her consecration with Bishop Gerald Barbarito, center, her family, 561-775-9528 LOVE much in need including her sister, far left, mother, father and brother. (CECILIA PADILLA | FC) Bishop of the word and • SUBSCRIPTIONS, CIRCULATION: example you are speaks directly to the healing that its revival in the Second Vatican and act right. Let’s talk about how. Call 1-888-275-9953, or email Gerald [email protected] giving today. is needed. You become a conse- Council. Many centuries after Let us dare to dream.” Virginity to- Barbarito A great deal crated person by embracing a life its disappearance in a radically day and always has been a dream Notify us of address changes (temporary has occurred of virginity so as to become the transformed historical context, in which we can see clearly, choose or permanent) as soon as possible. Please since last year. spouse of Christ, entering into a the public witness of consecrated well, act rightly and thus be pos- change your address online at Facebook @ Obviously, the pandemic has been more intimate relationship with virginity renewed itself in a world sessed by the truth so much need- FloridaCatholic or call 1-888-275-9953. ever present and has caused a great Him. You become a visible sign that needed such witness. ed today and throughout history. deal of suffering, fear, uncertainty, to all of us that Christ is the Way, On May 31 of last year, the feast I would like to close my reflec- • ADVERTISING: Contact Valerie Casko at 407-373-0075 or and a continued loss of normalcy. the Truth and the Life and it is a of Pentecost, our Holy Father, Pope tion with the words addressed by [email protected] A great deal has also occurred in personal relationship with Him Francis, addressed the consecrated the Holy Father to all the virgins • CLASSIFIED ADS: Contact Mike Carlock at the world, our country, and our that is the foundation of all of our virgins of the world on the occa- of the Church last year on Pente- 1-888-275-9953, or communities.