A Kamloops woman has just become a Carmelite nun. Sister Cecilia of Our Lady of the Trinity made her final vows at the St. Joseph Monastery in Armstrong, B.C., Oct. 13.

"As I was sitting in the choir at morning prayer, preparing myself for the day, I couldn’t help but think about how fast the last six years seemed to go by, and how my journey as a Carmelite nun started," she wrote in a personal reflection about the day she vowed her life to God.

Several years ago, believing she might have a calling to religious life, she contacted various communities and found the Carmelites in 2012. "After a couple of weeks, I knew this was where God was calling me. And I stayed! It will never stop to amaze me what can happen when you leave yourself open to God's will."

Bishop Joseph Nguyen of Kamloops calling on Sister Cecilia to make her vows. (Photo submitted)

"As the Mass began, I remember butterflies that soon disappeared as the bishop smiled, and I felt the love and support that was there from everyone who was present. A deep sense of peace and joy filled me as though God was reconfirming His calling for me," she continued.

"Being able to pronounce my vows in confidence, and love and share this with everyone present was a huge blessing and grace. Words cannot adequately describe the full day."