America's Largest Catholic Newspaper
Seven novices professed first vows as Sisters of Life on Aug. 22, the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Auxiliary Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis served as principal celebrant and homilist at the Mass at Sacred Heart parish in Suffern.
The sisters are:
Sister Maria Cristina, S.V., 42, was raised in Seville, Spain. She earned a licenciade in biological sciences from the Universidad de Sevilla. Prior to entering the Sisters of Life, Sister Maria Cristina worked at ABENGOA as a quality and international logistics manager at a solar plant in California. The daughter of Victorio Duque and Cristina de Sera, she has two brothers.
Sister Pia Jude, S.V., 32, was raised in Secaucus, N.J., and attended Immaculate Conception parish. She earned a juris doctorate from Rutgers School of Law in Newark, N.J., and a bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy from St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, N.J. Sister Pia Jude worked as an associate in the litigation department of the corporate law firm Fried Frank before entering the Sisters of Life. The daughter of Peter and Judy Furka, she has a twin sister, Natalie Furka, D.O.
Sister Cara Marie, S.V., 29, was raised on a farm in Durham, Ontario. She earned a bachelor’s degree in classical languages from the University of Guelph in Ontario. Prior to entering the Sisters of Life, Sister Cara Marie worked at a library, tutored for a home schooling family and played the harp. The daughter of Francis and Bertha Benninger, she is the oldest of three children.
Sister Elizabeth Grace, S.V., 28, was raised on a farm in Whitesville, Ky. She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Murray State University in Murray, Ky. Sister Elizabeth Grace taught at Owensboro Catholic High School in Owensboro, Ky., prior to entering the Sisters of Life. The daughter of Russell and Monica Rhodes, she is the third of nine children.
Sister Gabriela Maria Mega, S.V., 27, grew up in Indonesia and in New South Wales, Australia. She earned bachelor’s degrees in religion and gender studies, and social work, from the University of Sydney in Sydney, Australia. Prior to entering the Sisters of Life, Sister Gabriela Maria Mega was a foster care case manager. The daughter of Stanley and Priscilla Wiyana, she has a younger brother.
Sister Magnificat Rose, S.V., 27, was raised in Faribault, Minn. She served for two years with NET Ministries after high school. Sister Magnificat Rose then earned a bachelor’s degree in Catholic studies from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., before entering the Sisters of Life. The daughter of Timothy and Trena Wayland, she is the oldest of three children.
Sister Jordan Rose, 25, is from Cottonwood, Idaho. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Washington State University. She was a teacher before entering the Sisters of Life. The daughter of Joe and Charlene Rehder, she is one of six children.
