ASTON, Pa. — Sister Maria Anna Dela Paz, who ministered in the Diocese of Wilmington as part of her formation, professed her final vows as a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia on Aug. 11 at Our Lady of Angels Convent in Aston, Pa. More than 200 people gathered in person or viewed the proceedings via livestream.
Born in Manila, Philippines, Sister Maria grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, N.J., and Jesuit-run St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, N.J. She entered the candidacy program for the Franciscans in 2016, saying her time with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps sparked her interest in religious life.
“This passion to work toward social justice, combined with my desire to live in an intentional, faith community brought me to discern religious life,” she said in a statement.
During her novitiate, she volunteered in a number of ministries, including the Bayard House in Wilmington, which provides housing and resources for young mothers. She also volunteered at Neumann University in Aston. She is an active member of Giving Voice, a peer-led organization that creates space for younger women religious to give voice to their hopes, dreams and challenges in religious life.
She is now pursuing full-time graduate studies at Loyola University Chicago.
