The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist have joyfully welcomed two new novices to their community.

In February, Janice Tumanon entered the novitiate with the name Sister Mary Christa. Before joining the community, Tumanon worked as a medical laboratory assistant and phlebotomist, a blood collection professional, at St. Paul’s and B.C. Women’s and Children’s Hospitals, then as administrative assistant for the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s Chancery office.

Her new name reflects her devotion to Mary and relationship with Christ.

Sister Mary Christa (second from right) with Mother Shaun, Mother Miriam, and Mother Barbara.

Just a few months earlier, in November 2020, Natalie Yuen also entered the community as a novice, taking the name Sister Anne Therese. Prior to religious life, Yuen studied at the University of British Columbia (where she earned a bachelor of science in biology and a master of science degree in integrated studies in land and food systems).

Her name comes from the special significance St. Anne and St. Therese of Lisieux have in her vocational journey and heritage.

Both women will live in and serve the community for some time before they can take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience as Franciscan Sisters.

Sister Anne Therese, formerly Natalie Yuen.