Photos from Sr. Frances Marie's Perpetual Profession!

The title says it all — we hope you enjoy these snapshots of a glorious, joyful, and grace-filled day on August 15th!

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Entrance Rites and Liturgy of the Word

The bride in prayer before Mass

Our Lady and St. Paul of the Cross were surely overjoyed to witness another young woman laying down her life for Jesus Crucified!

Sr. Miriam Esther played a prelude on classical guitar

Clergy and servers preparing for the entrance procession

Some of Sr. Frances Marie’s family (front row). L-R: Jude and Abe (brothers), Dcn Matt and Mary (parents), Phillip (grandfather), and Andrea (aunt)

Not visible in this photo: Beatrix and Josephine (cousins) and Katie (sister-in-law)

The remaining three Wenke brothers served at the altar. L-R: Br. Emmanuel, OFM (Master of Ceremonies), Matthew Peter, and Sam

Jude read the First Reading from the book of Revelation

Abe read the Second Reading from 1 Corinthians

Fr. Lou Caporiccio, CPM (our monastery chaplain) proclaimed the Gospel

The rite of calling: before the homily, Fr. Tony Hollowell (the main celebrant), in the name of the Church, formally calls Sr. Frances Marie to express her intention to make perpetual vows

Fr. Paul Cygan (diocese of Buffalo, NY), a childhood friend of Sr. Frances Marie, preached a beautiful homily

Profession Rite

The examination: Fr. Tony formally questions Sister on her resolve to profess and live the five Passionist vows perpetually.

The Sisters prepare the pall for Sr. Frances Marie’s mystical death to self, so that she may rise with Christ

Sister lies prostrate beneath a black funeral pall as the Litany of the Saints is chanted

Our Blessed Mother, decked out in all her feast day finery, watches over her daughter as she prepares to vow herself to Christ forever

Sr. Mary Elizabeth (our beloved “most experienced” community member) praying the Litany for her young Sister

The Profession of Perpetual Vows in the hands of Mother John Mary. “To the honor of God, I, Sister Frances Marie of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus …”

Signing the vow formula on the altar; this paper remains on the altar throughout the Mass, symbolizing the union of Sister’s self-offering with that of Christ

The newly-professed singing “Holy Is His Name” in thanksgiving

The Solemn Consecration: Holy Mother Church, acting through Fr. Tony, embraces Sister Frances Marie’s self-offering and solemnly dedicates her to the service of God

Receiving the Cross and the Crown of Thorns as a reminder of her espousal to Christ Crucified

That’s one happy bride!

Exchanging the Sign of Peace with Mother John Mary

Exchanging the Sign of Peace with her Sisters in religion (the nun right in front of Aspirant Holly is Mother Marie Michelle of the Passionist Nuns in Erlanger, KY, who came down to celebrate with us!)

A tender father-daughter moment at the Sign of Peace

The two religious in the family — Sister Frances Marie and Br. Emmanuel — exchange the Sign of Peace as their proud parents look on

Liturgy of the Eucharist

The Offertory procession: Sr. Mary Veronica (Novice Directress), Sr. Frances Marie, and her parents and grandfather bring the gifts to the altar

Sr. Cecilia Maria conducts the monastic choir as they sing the beautiful hymn “View Me, Lord, A Work of Thine”

We had a veritable crowd of concelebrating priests for the Profession Mass!

Around the altar (L-R): Fr. Lou Caporiccio, Fr. Paul Cygan, Fr. Tony Hollowell

Background (L-R): Fr. Pat Reynolds, Fr J Edward Bradley, Fr Daniel Dillard, Fr Corey Bruns, Fr. David Wilton, CPM, Fr Ray Clark

The Doxology: “… all glory and honor is Yours, forever and ever!”

“Our Father, Who art in Heaven …”

The newly-professed receives the Blood of Christ, her Savior and her Spouse

Sr. Cecilia Maria (on violin) and Sr. Maria Faustina (on organ) played an instrumental version of “In Perfect Charity” after Holy Communion.

In the foreground, Mother John Mary kneels next to our new Aspirant, Emma!

A lighthearted moment just before the dismissal and final blessing

Sister Frances Marie in prayerful thanksgiving after Mass

Reception

There was a long line of well-wishers waiting to greet Sister Frances Marie and the other Nuns after Mass!

Mother John Mary and Sr. Frances Marie greeting guests in the parlor

Sisters Mary Andrea and Miriam Esther speak with Postulant Hannah’s parents, Joe and Cathy

One of our Passionist Oblates speaks with the novitiate members

Old friends catching up

Two of our youngest guests — perhaps future Passionists??