We had a little birthday present for Our Lady. On the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Father Valentin blessed the habit, scapular, coif, veil, cincture, and side rosary that Postulant Sarah would begin wearing as a new Novice the next day. The clothing ceremony took place before Mass on September 9th. Clothing is simple but marks a significant step forward in more deeply living the Handmaid life. Each item is blessed and presented to the Postulant who then dons the monastic apparel. From Novitiate onward, the candidate is addressed as Sister and receives a new name and title in religion. Postulants can submit three names and titles they would like to receive but ultimately it is the decision of the Mother Prioress inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Postulant Sarah was careful not to even reveal what three names and titles she submitted prior to the big day. [She perhaps, wanted to curb the guessing games and speculations of her Sisters as the moment approached.] Usually the title reflects a devotion or aspect of the Faith that deeply resonates with the discerner. No one knows the chosen name until Rev. Mother announces it publicly after the clothing when the newly invested Novice kneels before her to begin this next exciting part of her journey. So it isn’t just the new Novice who is eager to hear the name. The whole Community is waiting.
“You will be known in religion as [long pause……]
Sister Joy Marie of Divine Mercy”
Sister’s parents, Tim and Ann, were able to be present for the ceremony and Mass. We thank them for their support of their daughter’s vocation and blessed to have them witness this milestone.
Congratulations Sister! Please join us in praying for her joy and perseverance.
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- Rule of Life, Habit, Scapular, Coif, Veil, Cincture and Side Rosary before Our Lord waiting for blessing.
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- Father Valentin blesses the items.
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- Novice Sr Therese Bernadette and Postulant Sarah pray.
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- A blank line in the Mass intention to be filled in just before Mass. No hints!
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- Receive the Habit…
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- Photos may be worth a thousand words but Sister Joy Marie’s smile toward her parents in the back of Chapel is priceless.
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- Happy Mom and Dad greet Sisters after Mass.
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- Mother hugs the New Novice.
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- The Novices now look alike and share a hug.
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- More nun hugs.
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- Sister’s new name is apropos: Joy!
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- A professed Handmaid shares a moment with Sr. Joy Marie.
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- All smiles.
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- Her place in refectory is festooned with a tiny bouquet of flowers and many congratulations cards.
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- A decorated card
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- Enjoying her cake.