Archbishop Oscar Romero

Thinking Faith, the online journal of the British Jesuits, posted an artricle by Michael Campbell-Johnson SJ. The article, Romero: ‘the voice of those who had no voice’ remembers the 31st anniversary of his martyrdom. Archbishop Romero was assisinated by orders of the government of San Salvador while celebrating Mass on March 24, 1980.

I was particularly struck by Fr. Michael’s use of the word “conversion” to describe his faith journey. Romero grew from a timid, retiring, hesitant, conservative, don’t rock the boat churchman to become a champion of the cause of the oppressed. 

http://www.thinkingfaith.org/articles/20110323_1.htm

Perpetual Vows, Continued

Notre Dame de Namur Sisters make Perpetual Vows

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Sr. Ellen makes First Vows

Sr. Ellen McAdam SNDdeN made her first vows as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur on Saturday, November 22, 2008 at St. Isaac Jogues Church in East Hartford, CT.

The ceremony was marked with touches of this young teacher who prepared the Liturgy to include her family, friends and Sisters of Notre Dame. Her father, Rev. Mr. Robert McAdam delivered the homily.

Sr. Virginia Sheehan SNDdeN, carrying a Notre Dame Processional Cross began the Entrance Procession. She was followed by newer members including Sr. Paula Jurigian SNDdeN (earlier post).

The Rite of Profession came after  the Liturgy of the Word and before the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Sister Sara-Ann Buckley SNDdeN, Novice Director, gave an introduction to the rite and introduced Sr. Mary Rose Crowley SNDdeN, Leadership Representative for the CT Province of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

Sr. Mary Rose Crowley and Sr. Ellen McAdam

Sr. Mary Rose “called forth” Sister Ellen McAdam. “As Sisters of Notre Dame, daughters of Julie and Françoise, our mission calls us to live the community of love and justice envisioned by Jesus; to strive to be women of prayer united with God and responsive to the Spirit; and to stand with the poor through a diversity of ministries that all may experience fully God’s goodness. Ellen, will you commit your life with us, your sisters, as together we discern our deepening response to this mission?”

Sr. Ellen responded enthusiastically “Yes, I will commit my life with you.”

Beyond the gold

On Sunday, September 28, 2008, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Associates, Friends and Families gathered in Our Lady Queen Chapel in Ipswich, MA to celebrate 42 Sister Jubilarians. 11 Sisters reach gold (50 years), while 16 diamond (60 years), 11 platinum (70 years), 3 oak (75 years) and 1  alabaster (80 years) milestones. Their diverse ministries cross all levels of education including a college president, high school and elementary school principals, teachers and counselors.

Sr. Ellen Keane SNDdeN

The Sister Jubilarians chose Mark 10:28-31 for the gospel reading of the Liturgy. Sr. Ellen Keane SNDdeN offered her reflections on Peter’s remark: “We have given up everything to follow you.”

Peter’s very human comment follows a section often referred to as “The Rich Young Man.” The young man asks Jesus about “inheriting eternal life.” Jesus answers his queston. He responds that he has done what Jesus asks “since his youth.” And then, Jesus looks at him, loves him, and says to him: “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At this remark, the story continues, the young man’s face fell, and he went away, for he had many possessions.

Taking the long view of life from 50, 60, 70, 75 and 80 years of consecrated living, those present could testify that Jesus’ answer is true! “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.”

What have you given up to follow Jesus?

Final Vows

On September 6, 2008, Sr. Paula Jurigian made her perpetual commitment as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur. In the midst of Sisters of Notre Dame, family and friends, Paula professed perpetual vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience to God as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur during a Eucharistic Celebration. From start to finish the afternoon was truly blessed!

Sr. Paula, Sr. Rosemary (Leadership), Sr. Jane McAndrews (Mentor)

The Rite of Profession took place within an Eurcharistic Liturgy or Mass. This particular rite is celebrated between the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It has three parts: The Calling Forth, a Covenant Ceremony between the Sisters and Paula and the Profession of Vows.

Sr. Rosemary Crowley began the Rite of Profession by calling Paula to stand with her in front of the congregation. During this part, the whole congregation hears that “you have been called by God and by this community to profess your commitment within the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. What do you seek?” Paula answers: “After prayer, reflection and discernment, I come today to prfess perpetual vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience to God as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.”

The Covenant Ceremony follows the Calling Forth. A covenant is an agreement between two parties by which they lovingly bind themselves to each other in privileges and responsiblities. By professing perpetual vows as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, Paula enters into a covenant with her Sisters in mutual service to God’s people.

Sr. Paula professes her vows after lighting a candle reminding her of her baptism.

Paula acknowedges with deep gratitude the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who have been with her on her journey. “My life has been and continues to be blessed by the friendship, love, support, challenge and prayer you have shared with me at every step of my journey. Your lives have inspired me, your words have affirmed me, and your friendship has empowered me as I have deepened my commitment to the mission of God through the Congregation.”

The Sisters respond: “Paula, we your Sisters join you in giving praise and thanks to our good God for your desire to live your life according to your calling. …We, your Sisters support you in this commitment and promise that we too will walk with ou as together we strive to ack justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God…”

The Profession of Vows, follows next with the Lighting of the Candle, Profession of Vows, Signing of the Profession Document, Affirmation of the Community and the Sign of Peace.

After the Rite of Profession, the Mass continues with the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Concluding Rite.

To be continued