MERIDEN, CT (03-13-2022) – Marigold Rocero smiled delightedly when Mother Miriam Seiferman, FSE, Mother General, announced that Marigold’s religious name would be Sister Josina Marie. At a private Community ceremony in the Chapel of St. John, Marigold was received into the novitiate of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist by Mother Miriam. As a sign of entering a life-changing choice and mission, it is customary for the new Sister to receive a religious name as well as the religious habit and veil of the Community. Mother Miriam shared that “Marie” expresses Sister’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and alludes to her birth name, Marigold. “Josina” expresses qualities of St. Joseph reflected in Sister’s life in Community – obedience, “behind the scenes” acts of charity, willingness to sacrifice for others without calling attention to herself. Mother Miriam explained that “Josina” also refers to Mother Josina Roth, the oldest Sister in the founding group who transferred to the newly-formed Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist from the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 1973. Mother Josina had been the Assistant Mother General for 18 years and served many years as education supervisor in the former Community. Mother Miriam asked Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Co-foundress, to share more about Mother Josina for those who had not known her.
Sister Josina Marie was born and raised in Ampayan Butuan City, Philippines, the daughter of Salvador and Myrna Rocero. She studied for two years at Southwestern University in Cebu City and completed her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Benedicto College in Mandaue City. She worked for four years at Daniel Mercado Medical Center in the hemodialysis and intensive care units. In 2011 she moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, and was employed as a care aide. In 2015 at the encouragement of a friend, she joined the Fiat Group for women who were discerning their vocations in life, where she met the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist.
Sister Josina Marie will spend the next year in formation to deepen her understanding and lived experience of religious life and of the charism of the Community. Her fellow novices as well as the Sisters around the world heartily welcome Sister Josina Marie into this next phase of formation.
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