THE Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, presided at a religious ceremony to make a new nun in Whitby.

Dr Sentamu was at the Sung Eucharist at Sister Helena’s Life Profession Service yesterday and accepted her life vows in the Order of the Holy Paraclete – an Anglican religious community for women at St Hilda’s Priory, Sneaton Castle, Whitby.

The order also has houses elsewhere in Yorkshire, with sisters in York and Redcar as well as St Oswald's Pastoral Centre in Sleights, near Whitby.

The community describes itself as "active and contemplative", and follows the Benedictine tradition, following a regular pattern of monastic worship. The community has pioneered educational and medical work in Ghana from as early as 1926 and continues to do so today.

Sister Helena received a ring which the Archbishop placed on her right hand. She also received her girdle from the altar, knotted three times representing the three vows she has taken of poverty, celibacy and obedience. She also received a lighted candle which remained lit on the altar throughout the day.

The Midday Sung Eucharist was attended by the community of the Order, friends and family, and members of the wider congregation.

Sister Helena served her postulancy in an OHP House in Ghana. She was in the Novitiate, the second stage of her training, in Whitby and made her first Profession four years ago in Whitby.

Sister Dorothy Stella, the Prioress and Head of the Order said: “Today is a joyous occasion as Sister Helena gives her life to serve God.

"Every kind of talent, experience and God-given gifts can be applied in the religious life. I’m often asked about calling and vocation. If you feel that God is calling you to live in community come and visit us and learn more."