Dr. Amaya Serpa now known as Sister Michaela

MERIDEN, CT (10-03-2009) - "You are a strong woman, willing to enter into battle and stand up for what is right," Mother Shaun Vergauwen, FSE, Mother General, told Dr. Amaya Serpa after she was clothed in the habit and veil of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, "and so you need a strong name. We are naming you Sister Michaela." Just four days following the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, Amaya Serpa, a native of Idaho, was named in honor of St. Michael who is known in the Catholic Church for defending against evil.

The private ceremony took place October 3rd in the Franciscan Sisters' Chapel of St. John in Meriden. Sister Michaela recently graduated from Idaho State University with a doctorate in pharmacy, and had served at the Hospital of St. Raphael, New Haven, Connecticut, following graduation. Sister Michaela, now a canonical novice, will spend the coming year learning about Franciscan spirituality and the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.

Amaya Serpa kneels before Mother Shaun Vergauwen to request entrance into novitiate with the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist.	Sister Michaela listens as the Franciscan Community sings the Blessing of St. Francis for her.
Sister Michaela receives a blessing from Mother Miriam Seiferman, Vicar General, at the close of the ceremony.	Sister Michaela's family joined the Franciscan Sisters and Brothers in witnessing Sister Michaela's entrance into the novitiate. From left, are her parents, John and Cristina Serpa of Pocatello, Idaho; Sister Michaela; her sister, Mendizje Serpa, also of Pocatello; and her brother, Anthony Serpa, of Denver.