In a solemn ceremony marked by prayer, emotion and celebration, Benetta Dueh on Sunday, May 31, 2026, publicly renounced worldly pursuits and committed herself to a life of faith and service after taking her First Religious Profession at St. Francis Parish in Pleebo City, Maryland County, officially becoming Rev. Sister Benetta Dueh.
The historic occasion brought together Catholics, clergy, relatives, and well-wishers from across Maryland County as the young woman formally entered religious life under the Congregation of the Holy Family.
Also, the ceremony was presided over by Bishop Andrew Jagaye Karnley of the Diocese of Cape Palmas, who received the vows and formally admitted Rev. Sister Dueh into the congregation after she publicly professed her commitment before the church community.
Standing before the packed congregation dressed in her religious habit, Rev. Sister Dueh made vows that symbolized her willingness to dedicate her life to prayer, sacrifice, service and obedience, marking a significant transition from ordinary life to a vocation centered on spiritual mission.
“Today, my heart is overwhelmed with awe and gratitude for the wonders the Lord has done in my life. His mercy and love have surrounded me from the very beginning and today his joy overflows within me, for he has called me despite my weakness, my imperfections, and my limitations and he has chosen me to be His bride. What a profound and beautiful joy it is to be called the bride of the Master,” she explained.
Her profession represents one of the most important stages in Catholic religious formation, where candidates publicly declare their commitment to live according to the values and mission of their religious communities.
Delivering his message during the ceremony, Bishop Karnley challenged the newly professed sister to remain steadfast in her calling despite difficulties and sacrifices that accompany religious life, emphasizing humility, faithfulness and service to humanity. “This calling requires sacrifice, commitment and complete dependence on God,” the bishop emphasized.
However, the ceremony transformed St. Francis Parish into a scene of both celebration and reflection as family members wiped tears, friends embraced and church members sang hymns commemorating what many described as a rare spiritual milestone.
For the Holy Family congregation, Rev. Sister Dueh’s profession signifies not only personal spiritual growth, but also strengthens the congregation’s mission of evangelization, education, humanitarian outreach and pastoral care within communities.
Several attendees who spoke following the service described the occasion as inspiring, saying the young nun’s commitment demonstrates courage and devotion at a time when many young people face increasing social and economic pressures.
Religious leaders at the ceremony also used the occasion to encourage more young people to consider vocations dedicated to service, faith and leadership, stressing that religious life remains an important pillar in strengthening communities. As celebrations continued after the Mass, Rev. Sister Benetta Dueh officially began a new chapter, one defined by vows, sacrifice and lifelong dedication to serving God and humanity.
