Sister Philomena Anne of Divine Mercy, O. Carm. made her final profession of vows with the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm on Saturday, March 1.
She serves in the diocese at the Villas at Saint Therese and Mother Angeline McCrory Manor, located on the east side of Columbus. Mother Angelina McCrory Manor is a non-profit health care facility sponsored by the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm. The Villas at Saint Therese, also sponsored by the sisters, is a non-profit community providing assisted and independent living services.
The Carmelites for the Aged and Infirm are dedicated to caring for the elderly in mind, body and spirit. The order’s sisters ensure that the elderly’s lives are filled with love and that they are cared for with respect and dignity.
Sister Philomena Anne of Divine Mercy, a native of Lynchburg, Virginia, entered the congregation in 2015 and made her first profession of vows in 2018.
“She has a very joyful spirit of service in witness of Christ Who ‘came to serve not to be served,’” said Father Michael Lumpe, chaplain at Mother Angeline McCrory Manor and the Villas at Saint Therese. “We are very blessed to have her joyful spirit of service in the Diocese of Columbus.”
Sister Philomena Anne of Divine Mercy, the oldest of three children, recalled being interested in religious life since age 13. She had an interest in caring for the elderly and desired to be in an order with that charism.
She first visited the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm in 2011 at their St. Teresa’s Motherhouse in Germantown, New York, on the state’s east side. She attended various discernment retreats with the community in the following years.
She noted that her father’s support during religious discernment also significantly helped in her vocation.
The Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm were founded in 1929 by Mother Angeline Teresa, born Bridget Teresa McCrory. In 1931, the community became affiliated with the Order of Carmel.