TO WHAT IS HE CALLING YOU?

On a crisp Spring day in Easter Week our family made its way to the monastery in far-off U.S.A. where our daughter had been a community member for almost six years. This was the eagerly-awaited occasion of her Solemn Profession, and, as we approached, we could see the car-park already filling up, some people having come from other States, one lady travelling through near-blizzard conditions to be present.

The Master of Ceremonies gave us a quick briefing on our part, as family, in the liturgy, then we entered the lovely chapel, now full and beautifully decorated with candles and Easter lilies. The monastery bells pealed happily, the organ prelude "Christus Victor" preceded the entrance "Audi Filia" (Gregorian) sung by the unseen nuns, as the Bishop, with the concelebrating Franciscan friars, preceded by the Acolyte, entered the sanctuary.

The Communion doors opened for a moment, and our daughter stood on the other side, radiant and holding a white decorated candle. The Mass commenced with the Bishop asking us to thank the Lord the beautiful day and for His love.

After the Gloria was sung and the Bishop offered a prayer (for angelic perfection for those who follow Christ, and for apostolic zeal of the Church) Fr. Ramon proclaimed the first Reading from the Song of Songs. This was followed by the beautiful singing of the "Victimae Paschali Laudes" (Gregorian) and then Fr. John proclaimed from the Book of Revelations... "I, John, saw a new Heaven and new Earth..." The Alleluya and Psallat (mediaeval polyphony) was sung and then, following the incensing, the Master of Ceremonies sang, from St. Luke's Gospel, the story of Jesus' appearance to His disciples following the Emmaus journey.

After this, the celebrants and Sister/candidate proceeded to the Communion doors. The choir sang "Wise virgins, make ready your lamps. Behold, the Bridegroom comes, go forth to meet Him." Then the Bishop spoke Sister's name and she responded "Lord, you have called me. Be it done to me according to Your word." The Bishop asked "dear daughter, what do you ask of God and of His Church?" and her firm reply was "I ask to be joined in solemn vows to Christ, my Spouse, that I persevere as a daughter of St. Francis and St. Clare in this religious community".

The points made by the Bishop in the homily included the following:

He thanked the family, on behalf of the Church, for the gift of their daughter and referred to the importance of recalling the presence of the saints of the Franciscan family and of the whole Church. He reminded Sister Marie Ancelle that "we need your vowed living to help young people to be pure, married people to be faithful, all to be poor in spirit and simplicity of life-style so as to share with the needy and overcome selfishness". He exhorted her to recognize in His wounds that Christ loves her, and that she is somehow in His suffering by the vows she has made to Him. He encouraged her with the words "You are called to be especially close to Jesus, to rest in the arms of Mary, our Lady of Guadalupe, who, 500 years before the present Holy Father, used these same words - 'be not afraid' - you are dear to God in a special way, chosen for a special life."

After the homily came the examination. The celebrant and the family came to the Communion doors, as did Sister Marie Ancelle. The Bishop greeted her with the words:

" Dear Sister, do you desire to persevere to the end of your life in Holy Virginity and in the service of God and His Church? Do you wish to be consecrated and to be solemnly espoused to Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Most High Son of God? Are you resolved by the grace of the Holy Spirit, to spend your whole life in the generous service of God and His people by the complete surrender of yourself to Him in the hidden penitential life of the cloister? Are you resolved to give yourself to God alone, in solitude and silence, in persevering prayer and willing penance, in humble labour and good works?

Sister's replies affirmed her intent and desire: "This is my hope and my whole desire.... I solemnly promise to do this.....I am determined to do this" and as she prostrated herself at the centre of the choir, the Bishop recited the prayer that God might "pour out the Holy Spirit of His love on this servant of His whom He has chosen to be solemnly consecrated to His service", and the Litany of the Saints was sung.

Then standing, with outstretched arms, Sister sang "Receive Me O Lord" and proceeded to the open door where, kneeling before Mother Abbess, she pronounced the formula of Profession:

"I, Sister Marie Ancelle of our Lady of Mercy, vow to God before the witness of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Father St. Francis, Our Mother St. Clare and all the saints. I promise you, Mother, to observe during the whole time of my life, the form of life which the blessed Francis gave to our blessed Mother Clare, living in obedience, without anything of my own and in chastity..."

The Bishop replied "And I, on the part of Almighty God, promise you if you observe these things, life everlasting..." He blessed the ring, carried on a tray by the family, and gave it to the Abbess who placed it on Sister's finger, after which he blessed the crown of thorns which was placed on Sister's head by the Abbess while the Bishop prayed "Receive this crown sister, which your Spouse, the Son of God offers you. May you deserve to be made a partaker of His Passion on earth and of His glory in Heaven."

The Liturgy of the Mass continued. At the sign of peace, Sister stood before the open Communion door and received the greeting of each Sister in the large community - a moving moment. A procession of postulants, novices and professed nuns - the young along with those who have persevered down through the years - all accompanied by the singing of "I Saw the New City Jerusalem".

After the beautiful threefold blessings at the conclusion of Mass, the Bishop addressed the Mother Abbess in a solemn injunction. "Reverend Mother, take this Spouse of Jesus Christ under your care and direction, and see that you keep her consecrated and present her, spotless to God, knowing that you must render an account for her before the tribunal of her Spouse, the Future Judge." A moment of silence, then the recessional "Ave Maris Stella".

At the conclusion of this beautiful ceremony, we joined the long queue edging towards the monastery parlour where people, young and old, greeted our solemnly-professed daughter. A special luncheon, cooked by the nuns followed, and then, for the rest of the week, precious time spent visiting at the grille, catching up with all the news. A privilege during this time was meet her sisters in the community.

Too soon it was time to leave behind in the desert town, a dear part of our family, - our daughter and her community. Though we are separated by distance, we feel close, bound by ties of faith and love. May many other Australian families have the blessing of a religious vocation - and welcome it. May many more young people realise that they, too, are being called, and may they answer in trust.