MERIDEN, CT (10-12-2025) – Sister Marie Emmanuel Tessier professed first vows during the Community Mass on Sunday, October 12, in the Chapel of St. John, the motherhouse chapel. The Reverend Lawrence Bock, senior priest of the Archdiocese of Hartford, and friend of the Community, celebrated the Mass. Mother Miriam Seiferman, Mother General, received Sister’s vows for the customary three-year period. Sister Marie Emmanuel completed her two-year novitiate experience during which time she was mentored in discovering the meaning of religious life, living in community, Franciscan spirituality, the charism of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, prayer, the theology of the vows and the teachings of the Church, along with work on the land and with animals, cooking, caring for the house, hospitality to guests, and daily tasks of community life.
Sister Marie Emmanuel’s request for vows emphasized her love of the Community, gratitude for her vocation and for the love and support of her Sisters. Mother Miriam, in response, affirmed Sister’s life-giving spirit within community and welcomed her into this next phase of formation.
Sister Marie Emmanuel is the oldest of nine children of Carole and Robert Tessier of Warrenton, Virginia. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from George Mason University with a major in biology and a minor in music. Sister Marie Emmanuel is a veterinary technician at Becket & Associates Veterinary Services in Glastonbury, working with large and small animals in a variety of tasks at the work site and on farm calls in the neighboring area. She shares in the care of the Sisters’ goats, sheep, chickens and bees at the formation center. Frequently, she is called upon to sing at the Sisters’ Masses and enjoys learning the Community’s heritage hymns.
Mother Miriam, Sister Marie Emmanuel and Mother Barbara
Mother Shaun Vergauwen and Sister Marie Emmanuel share a joyful moment together.
Click on photos to enlarge
Sister Marie Emmanuel presents her request for vows to Mother Miriam Seiferman, Mother General
Mother Miriam responds to Sister's request
Sister Marie Emmanuel professes the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.
Sister signs the official document.
Sister Marcia Ternes, novice director, signs the official document as a witness.
Sister Renee Marek, signs the official document as a witness.
Mother Miriam signs the document as the authority of the Community.
Rev. Lawrence Bock blesses the new cincture with knots representing the three vows.
Father Bock blesses the insignia which the newly professed Sister will wear.
Mother Barbara Johnson, Vicar General, blesses Sister Marie Emmanuel after giving her the blessed cincture and medal.
Mother Miriam gives her blessing to Sister.
Father Bock gives the newly vowed Sister the blessing of the Church.
Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Mother Co-foundress, gives her blessing to Sister Marie Emmanuel.
Sister Renee and Sister Marcia, formators, pose with Sister Marie Emanuel near the San Damiano cross.