Religious Symbols: Side Rosary

A HandmaidNews, HPB Vocations, Vocation Snippet

Many religious, male and female, wear a side Rosary with their habit. Some can be rather large, others small. While Handmaids have had some minor variations in the wear of our side Rosary, we have always had them as a necessary part of the habit, not just as an accessory but as an essential to our spiritual life. Our Founder …

RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS: WHITE VEIL

A HandmaidNews, HPB Vocations, Vocation Snippet

If you are a lifelong Catholic and encountered religious sisters over the years, you may have noticed that in some communities that the color of the veil can signify whether the sister has been professed or not. Not infrequently over the years, Handmaids have been asked about our white veils by others assuming they are speaking to a novice or …

Yes, the Crown of Thorns is real.

Religious Symbols: Crown of Thorns

A HandmaidNews, HPB Vocations, Vocation Snippet

When we take our final vows, part of the ceremony is receiving and wearing a crown of thorns. A real one. We use pyracantha (otherwise called, very appropriately, firethorn) to fashion the crown. Since our veils are white, symbolizing the Eucharist, the Mother Prioress tries not to draw any blood either through the thorns or when pinning the crown to …

Vocations Snapshot

A Snapshot of our Vocation for Priests We are dedicated to the sanctification of priests and live an intense life of prayer centered around the Eucharist. Visit Number in Community: 13 Professed Foundation: May 25th, 1947 (Pentecost Sunday) 
by Father Gerald M.C. Fitzgerald, s.P. Represented in US Diocese: Knoxville, TN with our motherhouse located in New Market, TN. Mission Statement/Description: The Handmaids …