The final days before Profession for nine of our Candidates were filled with prayer, sharing and laughter. On Friday evening Sister Annette gave a reflection on their Profession in the Secular Franciscan Order.
On Saturday all moved to the school cafeteria where Sister Kathleen had attractively displayed pictures of St. Francis’ Canticle done by Sister Mariella Erdmann, a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity.
It was here that Fr. Jerome OFM, the Provincial Spiritual Assistant for the St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity, shared many excellent truths on the Admonitions of St. Francis.
The Parish sign board announced the big day.
Sister Kathleen had arranged a wall display for the occasion.
Come Sunday morning, all was in readiness for the Candidates and their family and friends who were coming to witness and celebrate this Profession. The last time a Secular Profession had taken place at St. Francis of Assisi Parish had been in the early 1970’s. Few present remembered the occasion.
The entry to St. Francis church was beautifully decorated.
The Bibles, San Damiano Crosses and the Profession candles were all in readiness.
The flowers–nine white and three red, represent the nine members to be Professed and the three members who have died as the journey unfolded.
This “Newly Forming Group” has been discerning for months and years through prayer, study, reading, sharing, and questioning. They were ready for Profession!
The giving of the Bible, San Damiano Cross and the Profession candle followed.
“Christ the gift of the Father’s love…may you continually encounter the living and active person of Christ.”
” May you conform your thoughts and deeds to those of Christ…”
” By your Profession you are the light of Christ in the world…”
The newly Professed filed out after Mass singing and clapping to the song, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”.
Smiles and radiant faces were seen all around.
The graces of this day were plentiful for the Newly Professed and their families as well as for the parish of St. Francis of Assisi. May the lives of these individuals flourish in holiness and spill over into their families and the parish members who witnessed this wonderful Profession of faith and commitment.
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