We had the most magical day yesterday. There were two Secular Franciscan professions in Quincy. For those who dont know, this is a lifelong promise to live by our Rule of life, made in front of the Church at Mass, every bit as big a deal as a nun taking final vows. The first was the usual way, at Mass, with the minister receiving his Profession and the celebrating priest affirming this on behalf of the Church. There are symbols presented, etc. Its really very beautiful and dignified. The second person was supposed to be at Mass and since she is legally blind and somewhat infirm, we had made special accommodations and the first person was to carry a lot of the load when it came to speaking. Well, this dear sister, who is 93, wound up in the hospital! So changes were quickly made, and we went to visit her in the hospital after our gathering. With the minister there to receive her Profession, our deacon to affirm on behalf of the Church, a close friend (also OFS) to help with the speaking parts, and two of us to witness since the ceremony had to be modified, this dear woman was Professed as a Secular Franciscan. Not a dry eye in the room! She is a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed sort of a person anyway, and at the parts where she was questioned as to her desires, or where she was asked to affirm what her friend read on her behalf, instead of just a yes, she would almost shout, YES! I agree to EVERYTHING! Indeed. Welcome, Marty and Stan!
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 16:44:21 +0000
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