Sr. Maria Johanna's First Profession

Yesterday morning, on the Solemnity of our Holy Father Dominic, Sr. Maria Johanna of Our Lady of Grace made her First Profession in the hands of Sr. Denise Marie, delegate of our prioress Sr. Mary Martin.  It was a joyous event for our community and also for the many friends and family who attended the ceremony. It was a great blessing that most of Sister's large family was able to make the trip down from Canada to attend, all save one of her nine siblings. 

Sr. Maria Johanna's profession retreat coincided with the community's annual retreat which ended with just enough time (one day!) to prepare for the Profession. The afternoon before the big day Sr. Denise Marie, Sr. Joseph Maria (novice mistress), and Sr. Maria Johanna went over the rubrics of the Rite of Profession while Sr. Mary Catharine put the finishing touches on Sister's profession cake. 

Below are three slideshows we hope you'll enjoy: the day before, the ceremony, and the reception. 

Rehearsal the night before

Rehearsal the night before

...not that she's excited or anything...

homemade profession cake!

Sr. Mary Catharine is our expert cake decorator

The finished product

the lecture hall is dressed up and all ready for tomorrow's reception

homemade candles as favors

Sr. Maria Johanna's First Profession Mass

Sr. Maria Johanna reads the first reading

Chantresses sing the responsorial psalm

Sr. Denise Marie reads the second reading

"What do you seek?" "God's mercy and yours."

Examination of the novice

Profession of Vows

Sign of Peace with Sr. Denise Marie, the prioress's delegate

Blessing of the Scapular

Reception of the (unblessed) black veil

Reception of the Constitutions of Nuns of the Order of Preachers

Sr. Maria Johanna brings up the gifts with her novice mistress, Sr. Joseph Maria

Final Blessing

Sister signs her profession in the sacristy after Mass

Sr. Denise Marie signs, witnessing to Sister's profession

Sister with some of the priests and acolytes after Mass

Sr. Maria Johanna with all of her siblings (except for one and with the addition of a friend, Fr. Jeff)

Sr. Maria Johanna greets her sister Angela

Sister greets her sister

Profession gift from friend Fr. Jeff

Lovely gift from Nathaniel

Sr. Maria Johanna & Fr. Patrick

Sister cuts her profession cake

First piece goes to dad!

Mom gets the second piece

Sr. Maria Johanna & Sr. Maria Agnes with four of Sister's (9!) siblings