A Celebration of Devotion and Joy

On September 5, 2026, the Hartmann Monastery became the site of a special celebration: Sr. M. Monikka Aliyas made her perpetual profession into the hands of General Superior Sr. M. Birgit Dorfmair. The celebration was characterized by gratitude, community, and the awareness that such a feast is rare today and therefore all the more precious.

The festive Mass was celebrated by Fr. Oliver Ruggenthaler OFM with the community of sisters—including fellow sisters from Argentina—as well as a biological sister of Sr. Monikka from India, who herself belongs to an international religious order. Additionally, members of the Franciscan Secular Community, colleagues from the nursing ward, and numerous guests shared the joy of this day.

Musical Accompaniment

The musical accompaniment was provided by the choir and band “Insieme!” from Großengersdorf, led by Ewald Dorniger. With contemplative yet lively songs in German and English, they enriched the service and gave audible expression to the joy of Sr. Monikka’s step.

“A Path Downward” – The Sermon

In his sermon, Fr. Oliver referred to the readings chosen by Sr. Monikka: God’s call to Elijah (1 Kings 19), being grasped by Jesus Christ (Phil 3), and the praise of Jesus (Mt 11). He particularly highlighted the patron saint of the order, Francis of Assisi, whose conversion began with a “path downward”—to the people on the margins of society. The fact that Sr. Monikka, who was recently able to prepare for her profession in Assisi, is now being fully received into the Franciscan family during the Franciscan Jubilee Year is a special sign of grace.

A Life of Joy and Devotion

Sr. M. Monikka Aliyas comes from Kerala (India) and is the youngest of ten children. Four of the six daughters have entered various religious orders and live in India, Africa, and Europe. At a young age, Sr. Monikka followed an older sister into the Congregation of the “Queen of the Apostles” and trained as a nurse. In 2015, she came to Vienna to learn German and have her diploma recognized. During this time, she lived at the Hartmann Monastery and got to know the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. After a long struggle, she requested admission to the congregation in 2023. With the consent of both Mothers General, she began her three-year probationary period in September 2023, which has now led to her full incorporation into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity through her perpetual profession.

May Sr. Monikka’s life in our community be a sign of Franciscan joy and devotion—for the benefit of all who are entrusted to her care.

Photos: Elisabeth Kuntschke