Sister Norma Poma Arpi, IHM

January 10, 2014

Sister Norma Poma Arpi, IHM made her final profession of vows in San Felipe, Sicuani, Peru, on January 10, 2014.

Norma, the daughter of Pedro Poma Mamani and Maria Arpi Cari, was born in Arequipa, Peru, and is the second youngest of four children. She was received as a candidate in the IHM Congregation in November 2001. Norma presently lives and ministers in Chorrillos.

Three members of the Leadership Team, along with several IHM Sisters from the States, sisters ministering in Chorrillos, and family and friends gathered in San Felipe, Sicuani, for the celebration.

Sisters Eileen Egan and Ancilla Maloney tended to the complex details of travel and accommodations for the sisters after a flight from Lima to Cusco, and a drive into the Andes Mountains. While in Sicuani, the sisters stayed in both the IHM convent and the Internado—the IHM House of Studies where adolescent girls board during the week so they can attend high school classes in the area. Since the girls were on their summer break, the Internado was available for hospitality.

The night before the profession ceremony, the sisters gathered for a prayer of blessing for Norma. The prayer, in both Spanish and English, offered those gathered an opportunity to pray with and for Norma, to share hopes for her as well as words of encouragement and affirmation for the life ahead of her in the congregation.

Padre Luis Jesús López, who was stationed in Sicuani in the 1990s when Norma was helping in San Felipe, presided at the profession liturgy. Sisters, Associates, family and friends led the music, the readings, and the intercessions. Sister Chris Koellhoffer, Councilor for Spiritual Development, testified to Norma’s readiness for final profession. Sister Terry O’Rourke, president, accepted Norma’s final vows as her witnesses, Sisters Michael Marie Hartman and Mary Elaine Anderson, stood by her side.

Soon after Norma’s profession of vows, the skies opened in a torrential downpour. Norma, whose early studies in agronomy gave her a deep sense of connection to all of creation, pronounced the downpour an affirmation and a blessing, noting that the rain was creation’s way of saying “Yes!” to her choice to be an IHM for the rest of her life.

Following the liturgy, sisters, family and friends shared congratulations with Norma and enjoyed a delicious Peruvian dinner and beautifully decorated cake. A band and a DJ provided lively music for dancing and enjoyment. After the main celebration ended, Sisters and friends gathered for pizza and the opening of gifts at the end of a day full of blessings.

Sister Terry O’Rourke accepts the final profession of vows of Sister Norma as her witnesses, Sisters Michael Marie Hartman and Mary Elaine Anderson, stand beside her.

Sisters Terry O'Rourke and Michael Marie Hartman look on as Sister Norma signs document confirming her commitment to the Sisters of IHM Congregation.

Sisters and friends getting ready to depart Sicuani after the celebration. Back L-R: Sisters Ancilla Maloney, Chris Koellhoffer, Mary Jo Gallagher, Terry O’Rourke, Mary Elaine Anderson, Ellen Carney, Eileen Egan, and Kathy Kurdziel. Front L-R: Sister Tomasa Fernandez, Irene Espirilla, Sisters Norma Poma Arpi, Michael Marie Hartman, and Angela Cerna-Plata (Monroe IHM)