Sister Xiomara Méndez-Hernández is received Into the Novitiate during Special Ritual at Holy Rosary Chapel

The assembly extends a blessing on Sister Xiomara

Sister Ellen, left, and Sister Rosa Monique assist Sister Xiomara

Sister Ellen, Sister Xiomara, Xiomara’s Aunt Sabina Hernández

Congregation members, friends and family pray

Sister Donna formally examines Sister Xiomara on her readiness to enter the novitiate, the next stage in her discernment process

Sister Donna Markham, Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Congregation, receives Sister Cindy

"Let my prayer rise like incense…"