Profession Ceremony at South Dunedin

New Zealand Tablet, 27 April 1922, Page 27

Profession Ceremony at South Dunedin

On Thursday morning, 20th inst.. Right Rev. Dr. Whyte, assisted by Rev. Fathers Delany, Marlow, and Fenelon, .officiated at a solemn ceremony of profession in the Convent of Mercy, South Dunedin, when five young ladies had the happiness of pronouncing their first* vows m the presence of their parents and friends, who had assembled in the chapel to witness the sacred function. His Lordship the Bishop, taking for his'text the words of Our Lord from St. John’s Gospel— “ Amen, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, itself remaineth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” preached a touching sermon on the religious life, its duties and responsibilities. In all ages from the dawn of Christianity generous young hearts, full of love for Christ and anxious to spread the divine fire which He came on earth to kindle, have accepted all the obligations of the religious state, done untold good and won the heavenly crown promised to those who persevere to the end. Holy profession is a solemn contract between the novice and her Maker. For the validity of an earthly alliance the freewill of the contracting parties is necessary; it is necessary too, in the case of a spiritual alliance when the novice, in the presence of God’s representatives, chooses Jesus Christ as her Bridegroom. The ring, a pledge of her celestial espousals; the veil, an emblem of holv modesty, are solemnly blessed, and Holy Church recognises her as the spouse of Christ. The Sisters, now about to consecrate their lives to God by the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and

the service of the poor, sick, and ignorant, have prepared for this step during their two years of probation; they have been carefully instructed in the rules and constitutions according to which to-day they make their vows; they have tested their fitness for the life; there has been no compulsion the doors were open and thev were perfectly free to go back to the secular life if they so wished Choosing, the better (part, they have eagerly' ‘ looked forward to this happy day when, kneeling before the altar, they will make a voluntary renunciation of the honors 5 riches, and pleasures of the world to take upon themsleves the sweet yoke of the vows, thereby giving themselves up wholly to God. Henceforth their lives will be devoted to their personal sanctification and to works of mercy— the Christian education of children, caring for the orphans, helping and consoling the poor, the sick, and the afflicted Undoubtedly this work calls for daily self-immolation’, which, however, will bring peace and holy joy to their souls It could not be otherwise, for Our Lord Himself has declared that His yoke is sweet and Mis burden tight Their unselfish labors as Sisters of Mercv will merit a groat reward in eternity. In conclusion his Lordship congratulated the Sisters on the hanpy consummation then . P es ’ and lie congratulated their parents, who had willingly parted with them to give them to God; these children would daily lift up their pure hearts in supplication for those near and dear to them, lie Sisters who made their holy profession are — Sister M Lorenzo Marlow, S.M, Teresita Gibb, S.M., Bertrand Carroll, S.M. Cuthbert Poppelwcll, and S.M. Catherine Harty The solemn incidental music was efficiently rendered by the Sisters’ choir, and after the ceremony the Bishop, clergy, and relatives of the Sisters were entertained at dejeuner by the community.