On Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette, Louisiana, the Eucharistic Celebration with the Rite of Perpetual Profession took place for Sister Nicole Marie Cancel and Sister Liza Catherine Gomes, members of the Community of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows in Shreveport.
The Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Michael G. Duca, Bishop of Baton Rouge, and concelebrated by Very Rev. Chester Arceneaux, Rector of the Cathedral, together with several diocesan priests. Among those present were Mother Serena Pinotti, Superior General of the Congregation, many sisters from U.S. and Latin American communities, as well as family members of the two sisters and numerous faithful from the diocese.
During the liturgy, Sisters Nicole and Liza professed their perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, taking the final step in their religious journey. It has been five years since their first temporary profession, which marked the beginning of their consecrated life in the Congregation.
Their formation has been marked by years of prayer, study, and apostolic service. Both sisters have been engaged in pastoral experiences in Catholic schools, youth programs, and missionary activities. Sister Nicole spent part of her apostolate in Mexico, collaborating with parish communities and youth groups, while Sister Liza dedicated herself to educational projects in New Mexico and Louisiana. These experiences have strengthened their vocational discernment and deepened their connection to the Congregation’s mission, rooted in the charism of Blessed Elisabetta Renzi, foundress of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows: to live in communion with Christ Crucified, to share in the sufferings of humanity, and to bring comfort through education, service, and compassionate presence.
In earlier reflections, both sisters expressed the sentiments that accompanied them along their journey. Sister Liza spoke of the peace and trust she experienced on the day of her first profession, while Sister Nicole recalled a deep sense of gratitude for the grace of total self-giving. Through their perpetual profession, these interior experiences have found fulfillment and continuity.
The Lafayette community and the Diocese of Baton Rouge welcomed this celebration with gratitude, recognizing in consecrated life a sign of faith and hope for the Church. In his homily, Bishop Duca stated: “With their final yes, Sister Nicole and Sister Liza have shown that vocation is not a personal achievement, but a service that enriches the entire Church. Their fidelity becomes a tangible sign of Christ’s presence in the world”.
At the conclusion of the Mass, a time of fellowship brought together sisters, family members, friends, and parishioners in an atmosphere of thanksgiving.
This day marked an important moment for the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, as two young women embraced their mission with responsibility and peace. The commitment of Sisters Nicole and Liza becomes part of the wider journey of the Church, which continues to be renewed through the consecration of men and women ready to serve God and their neighbor, following the spirit handed down by Blessed Elisabetta Renzi.
