RELIGIOUS PROFESSION IN DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue XXI, 7 April 1893, Page 20

RELIGIOUS PROFESSION IN DUNEDIN.

Oh Wednesday forenoon, three novices of the Order of St Dominic made their solemn vows in St Joseph's Cathedral, Duoedin. The young ladies were the Misses Kate Murphy (in religion Bister Mary John Evangelist); Annie Lynch (in religion Sister Mary Teresa) ; and Minnie Connor (in religion Sister Mary John Baptist). A particular interest wag attached to the event owing to the fact that Miss Murphy is a niece of the Mo9t Riv Dr Moran, and Miss Lynch a Bister of the Rev Father Lynch, Adtn. Miss Oonnor, late of Gore, we may add, is a cousin of the Most Rev Dr Foran, Bishop of Dnngarvan. Tbe sanctuary and high altar had been adorned by the Dominican nune, the Etster decorations being allowed in great part to remain with some additions and changes. Wreaths of white roses, for example, replaced with charming effect some of the towers u«ed on Sunday. Again9t the clustered pillar on the north of the sanctuary, and opposite the shrine of our Lady of Perpetual Succour, was hung a large and handsome picture of St Dominic and St Catherine of Sienna engaged in adoration of the infant Jesus, held in tbe arms of the Blessed Virgin. At 10 30 High Mass Coram Eviscopo was celebrated by the Rev Father Lynch, Adm, tbe Rev Fathers Hunt and P. O'Donnell actinp eipectively as deacon and Bub-dtacon, the Rev Fathers McMullin and Ryan as priests assistant at the throne, and the Rev Father Murphy master of ceremonies. The nuns' choir sang the the music of the Mass, with the Regina Caeli at the offertory, and after the Elevation the hymn " O Jeau Deua." The Salve Rsgina, a special chant of the Dominican Order, chanted daily by the nuns after the office of Complin, was included in the music of the profession. The Binging in each instance was excessively sweet, and full of devout expression. The Sisters, indeed, seemad to sing with their hearts in their voices throughout tht ceremonies. The priests were richly vested, and the whole scene was splendid and impressive in the highest degree. The church was thronged — crowds apparently of all denominations being present. The order, however, was perfect. Indeed the effect of the solemn ceremonies was evident in a hush that may be said to have been audible, The celebrant of the ceremony of profession was bis Lordship the Bishop, who, vested in cope and mitre, and attended by the priests, took his seat on the top etep of the altar. At the foot of tbe steps, and on the gospel side, the Prioress of tbe Dominican community was seated. The mistress of novices and others of the iiuna had also their places within the sanctuary, the habit of their ancient Order adding muoh to the suggestive neBS of tbe occasion. The celebrant first interrogated the novices, who knelt, each with a crucifix in ber right hand and a lighted taper in her left, supported on either side by a pofessed nun, also holding a lighted taper, The first question put to the novice is " Sister, what do you desire?" To this she answers, in effect, that she desires the grace and mercy of Christ, and, of her own free will, to be received to holy profession. The celebrant reminds her of what it is she seeks for, of the virtues and duties of the religious state, and finally asks her if she perseveres in her desire. The answer is, "Most Rev Father, I still beg and request the same." The celebrant makes an appropriate reply, and the novice is then conducted to the Prioress, and placing her hands on the constitutions of the Order, which the Prioress holds opeD, makes her profession. In the instance alluded to each novice in turn took from the bosom of her habit a written paper. This she placed on the book of the constitutions, held open by the Prioress, and, laying on tbe paper a crucifix, read, with a clear and s'eady voice, and in a tone of firm, but calm, determination, her vows of fidelity and obedience. Tbe paper with the written vows will be preserved to be placed at her death, with the body of the nun, in her coffin. After the profession is thus made the celebrant blesses the scapular, and, when a prayer has bern said, the novice is clothed by the Prioress with this and the black cloak. Then the celebrant imposes the veil. After this has been done he blesses the ring, which is placed by the Prioress on the novice's finger. The prostration of the novice, one of the most deeply affecting features of tbe ceremony, follows. She falls with arms outstretched, in the form of a cross, at the foot of the altar. Certain responses are chanted by the choir ; some prayers are said by the celebrant, who concludes by invoking on the prostrate novice the blessing of the Most Holy Trinity. She then rises, and an antiphon is chanted. The ceremony terminates with a prayer for the newly professed nun. Afterwards the Blessed Sacrament is exposed ; the "Te Deum "is sung, and Benediction is given. The ceremonies are of a considerable length, but among those of the Catholic Church thereare hardly any of a greater or more solemu bauuty. The heart, indeed, must be hard that is not touched by them. As we have eaid, there were evidently few hard hearts present in St Joseph's Cathedral on the occasion in question. It was one of a very apparent edification.