Sister Kawi Arebonto SGS made her Perpetual Profession as a Sister of the Good Samaritan in Kiribati recently, surrounded by Sisters, family, friends, colleagues and other special guests who had each supported her vocational journey.
By Debra Vermeer
The Perpetual Profession on 16 May was the culmination of a 12-year period of formation for Kawi, who said she was filled with gratitude to God who called her to religious life, and to those who have supported her along the way.
“I was very excited to make my Final Profession,” she said. “Although my formation journey lasted about 12 years, I felt deeply grateful when I was accepted to take this step.
“Looking back, I can see how God faithfully guided me throughout the journey.”
The Sisters of the Good Samaritan have had a presence in the Pacific island nation of Kiribati for 35 years. Today they are engaged in a variety of educational, pastoral and community development ministries.
Kawi, who was born and raised in Kiribati, first came to know the Sisters through their presence at the Kiribati Pastoral Institute, where she was a student.
After joining the Congregation, Kawi completed her Novitiate in Australia and also gained pastoral experience in her home country, where she currently teaches deaf students at the Special School for children with disability, visits hospital patients living with mental illness, and is part of the Faith and Light prayer group supporting people with disabilities and their families.
Kawi said she appreciated the breadth of experience she has gained in the lead-up to her Perpetual Profession.
“Religious life is very different from life at home, but it has brought me hope, peace and joy,” she said. “Living in community with Sisters from different backgrounds has taught me acceptance, compassion and understanding.
“As I prepared for my Perpetual Profession, my heart was filled with gratitude for all those who supported me, especially the Sisters in Kiribati, whose encouragement, friendship and prayers strengthened me over the years.”
The Final Profession ceremony took place during a Eucharistic Celebration at St Joseph’s Parish in Bikenibeu, South Tarawa. Father Tavita Lemuse MSC was the principal celebrant for the Mass, which was concelebrated by Father Rataro Raimon MSC with Deacon Tokabwebwe Tabanea assisting. Beautiful music elevated the occasion with a local choir, and Michael Walsh playing flute.
Sister Catherine McCahill led the Profession Rite and received Kawi’s vows. Photo credit: Sisters of the Good Samaritan.
Congregational Leader of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan Sister Catherine McCahill SGS led the Profession Rite and received Kawi’s vows. Other Sisters to travel to Kiribati for the occasion were Sisters Meg Kahler, Michelle Reid, Marie O’Shea, Donna Belle Ferrer and Tenta Maritino, while all the Sisters from Kiribati were also present.
“Kawi, today we celebrate a very significant moment in your journey as a Sister of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict,” Catherine said in her formal Admonition.
“It is both a very serious moment and a moment of great wonder.
“You have been on this journey now for 12 years. Over these years, you have committed yourself to the formation program, to living community life, to your various ministries. You have been willing to learn new skills so that you can better serve God’s people.
“You are an example to all of us in your commitment to the children at the Special School, to the Faith and Light program, and to the residents in the Meria Ward.
“Today, I challenge you – maintain your love for all God’s people and the earth. Make sure that you learn from Jesus how to be compassionate to all the people you meet, especially anyone who is vulnerable or with special needs. Share your life and love with them and learn to be compassionate to yourself.”
Catherine reminded Kawi that her vocation comes from God.
“Today is also a day of immense wonder. Today is God’s gift. Of all the children in the Arebonto family, God spotted you, Kawi, and invited you to join the Good Samaritan Sisters. You responded to that invitation, getting to know us and committing yourself to be one of us. This is surely grace.”
Catherine urged Kawi to always find time for God, to remain faithful to the Prayer of the Church with the community and committed to the daily practice of lectio divina.
“Importantly, today, I hope you know, deep in your heart that God is always faithful. God will keep the promises that Jesus makes today and each and every day of your life. This is the wonder of God’s grace,” she said.
Kawi was surrounded by special guests, Photo credit: Sisters of the Good Samaritan.
Kawi was surrounded by special guests, including other religious, parishioners, catechists, members of the Faith and Light prayer group, colleagues, students from the Special School, friends and family.
“Their presence reminded me of the many people who have supported my vocation,” she said.
The highlight of the day for Kawi was singing the Suscipe, a prayer of surrender from Psalm 119, traditionally used for monastic professions.
“As I walked down the aisle, I was overcome with emotion and could not hold back my tears,” she said.
“The words, ‘Receive me, Lord, as you have promised, and I shall live; do not disappoint me in my hope,’ expressed my desire to place my whole life in God’s hands. It was a sacred moment that I will always treasure.”
After the Mass, friends gathered for refreshments at the priests’ house before continuing the celebrations at the maneaba, the traditional communal gathering space in the village.
The afternoon included music, dancing, singing and cultural performances by Kawi’s family, friends and colleagues.
“People shared food, laughter and companionship, making it a joyful celebration of faith, family and community,” Kawi said. “It beautifully reflected the culture of Kiribati and our strong sense of togetherness.”
Kawi said her Final Profession of Vows was an important milestone on a vocational journey that continues to unfold.
“My hope is to continue serving God faithfully wherever He calls me and to be a witness to His love and compassion, especially among those most in need,” she said.
“I hope to keep growing through prayer, community life and ministry, and to live the Good Samaritan charism with generosity and kindness. As I begin this new chapter, I thank God for the gift of my vocation and entrust my future to His guidance and care.”
Kawi said she was grateful for the support of her fellow Good Samaritan Sisters. Photo credit: Sisters of the Good Samaritan.
The ministries of the Sisters are supported by the Good Sams Foundation. Donations over $2 are tax deductible in Australia and can be made via the website.
This article was published in the June 2026 edition of The Good Oil.
