By Sr Patricia Bui, Vietnam (Province of East Asia)

On the Feast of Saint John Eudes (August 19, 2025), Sr Patricia – who made her final vows on April 8, 2025 – reflects on her year of international experience living with the Marycove Community in Hong Kong. Her ministries included accompanying Filipino migrant workers at the diocese’s pastoral center, at Mary’s Home (a shelter for the vulnerable, homeless, unemployed), at a hostel for young Chinese girls, as well as supporting the six elderly sisters who lived in community with her.

There are moments when I quietly walk behind and suddenly notice the silhouette of the sisters who have gone before me. That back, calm and gentle, bears the deep imprint of many years of consecrated life. No words are needed; just a single glance is enough to sense a long journey – a journey of faith, of love, and of complete self-offering to God and to others. Every step, every figure cast upon the ground, is a testimony to a life of tireless giving.

Perhaps that silhouette is not only the image of a person but also the symbol of a life faithfully lived in vocation. Behind each step lies countless years of silent sacrifice and service. From this, I recognize their walk as a sacred sign – a consecrated walk.

The Walk of Consecration

Though no longer in the bloom of youth, the sisters still carry within them a hidden vitality that not everyone perceives. Their steps may no longer be as brisk as in the early days of consecration, yet they reveal a unique beauty: the beauty of perseverance, fidelity, and steadfastness. Every step, even when unhurried, is like a gentle reminder of years spent in tireless service, of a life wholly entrusted to God’s mission.

What strikes me is that in their walk, I do not see the heaviness of time, but rather the firmness of a life rooted in the Gospel. Those steps resemble the footprints of the Good Shepherd on the path of service: no words are needed, for simply by looking, one can already see a life overflowing with love, sacrifice, and boundless dedication.

Life Given for Mission

These sisters have devoted their whole lives to serving God and others, quietly and humbly. Their mission goes beyond prayer alone, reaching into apostolic works in the community, in society, and in every place where a helping hand is needed.

Whether caring for the poor, educating children, or accompanying the sick, every act they perform springs from love and zeal for God. These tasks, which may seem small, carry immeasurable value, for they are signs of unconditional love. It is thanks to these hidden contributions that communities are sustained, the Church is built up, and the mission continues to bear fruit.

When I have the chance to meet and listen to retired sisters, I notice that they rarely speak of hardships endured. Instead, they share the joy of serving, the happiness of seeing those they accompany rediscover faith, hope, and healing.

The Gospel in Daily Living

What moves me deeply is that in the sisters’ eyes and smiles, I sense a profound peace – the peace of those who have walked a long journey in complete trust. They know that this life is not their own but belongs to God, to whom they have offered everything. And even as they enter the fullness of their years, their faith remains unwavering, their steps still steady on the path of service.

Each step they take is a silent homily on the mystery of death and resurrection. It is not an end, but the fulfillment of a consecrated life. They live like “seeds” sown into the earth: quiet, humble, yet silently bringing forth spiritual fruit for the community and the Church.

Reverence for Those Who Went Before

When I look from behind, I do not only see steps worn by time, but I also feel gentleness and compassion – virtues forged through a lifetime rooted in faith. The sisters need not say much, for their very lives have already become a living homily on faith, perseverance, and love.

We, the younger sisters, sometimes grow impatient on our own journey, eager to accomplish much in a short span of time. But when I see the steps of the sisters ahead of me, I realize there is no need to rush. To live calmly yet steadfastly, faithful in love and true to one’s vocation – that is what truly matters.

Lessons from the Footprints of Consecration

The walk of these elder sisters is a living image of a consecrated life brought to fulfillment. Each step, though gentle, is marked with fidelity and unwavering faith. Their footprints stand as a powerful witness to the love they have offered to God and to the community throughout their lives.

Looking at them, I ask myself: “Will I be able to walk in such a way on my own journey of consecrated life?” And the answer lies in learning from them – patience, unconditional love, and steadfast fidelity to the mission entrusted by God.

In their calm and steady steps, I see the beautiful fullness of a life lived entirely for God. It is a great lesson, a profound invitation to each of us: to live our vocation fully, whether in the vigor of youth or in the maturity of later years.

Respect, admiration, and gratitude – these are the sentiments I wish to offer to the sisters. They are completing their journey of a consecrated life; they have sown themselves into the soil of love, and today the blossoms bloom in the lives of countless generations.

For me, the image of the sisters walking ahead, humble yet steadfast, will always be a guiding light—a source of strength that encourages me to continue my own path with trust and love.