The Dominican Nuns joyfully announce the First Profession of Sister Mary Thomas of the Holy Name of Jesus, O.P., which took place on November 22, the feast of St. Cecilia.
The Mass was a Dominican Rite Missa Cantata celebrated by Fr. Dominic Marie Langevin, O.P. The readings and chants for St. Cecilia could have been chosen just for a Profession ceremony. “Audi filia, et vide, et inclina aurem tuam: quia concupivit rex speciem tuam: Hearken, O daughter, and see; turn thine ear: for the King desires thy beauty.”
In his homily, Father compared the three years of Sister Mary Thomas’ temporary vows to the expectation of the wise virgins in the Gospel, who knew how to use the time of waiting to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Bridegroom. Through her virginal consecration to Christ, Sister will grow in single-hearted dedication to Him in preparation for her Solemn Profession.
Sister’s family was able to join us for the ceremony, even her twin brother who is a seminarian at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Please keep Sister Mary Thomas in your prayers as she continues to grow in her contemplative Dominican vocation.
See Also: What is a religious vocation?, Stages in Formation