Sunday, August 21, 2011

Redemptoristines' four professions

Sr Maura has become the latest Redemptoristine to take vows on the occasion of her Profession.

She is the second Redemptoristine to make her profession this year at the Dublin community on Alphonsus Road.  

Two others made their professions in previous years and there has been a steady flow of inquiries from those interested in religious life - there may even be a new member joining the community by the end of the year.

“It is an unusual trend.  There is an increase in interest in the contemplative life, members of several other communities have also said that,” Sr Gabrielle, Prioress, told ciNews

“People are inquiring more about this life; whether they join us or not is another matter but there are more inquiries.”

The Redemptoristines had refurbished their monastery in Drumcondra to cater for members of the community who were getting on in years, but then six new sisters joined the community, changing the range of ages to between 26 and 91.  

Although an enclosed contemplative community, they avail of the modern means of communication and recent Professions were broadcast live on the internet via www.ChurchServices.tv and the sister’s own website.  

Sr Gabrielle also initially communicates via email with those discerning their vocation.

Sr Maura’s Solemn Profession was broadcast on the internet and in the monastery she was joined by the community, her mother, family, cousins and parishioners.  Sr Gabrielle, Prioress, received Sr Maura’s vows, witnessed by Sr Elizabeth Cotter, Vicar for Religious and delegate for the Archbishop.  

Fr Michael Kelleher, C.Ss.R, Provincial for the Redemptorists was chief celebrant.  He was joined by Bishop Jim Moriarty and concelebrants.  

The deacon was Br Derek Ryan, C.Ss.R.

The new sister was presented with the insignia of Religious Profession, a ring and the Holy Redeemer medal.  

The ring was put on her finger so that God’s blessing for kindness, justice, wisdom, charity, holiness, humility, goodness, meekness and  the fullness of love will be with her, and that she may live in obedience to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

The medal, bearing the image of the Most Holy Redeemer, is received as a reminder of her participation in the infinite love, which, from all eternity, unites the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. 

Sr Gabrielle and the Community celebrated another occasion at the monastery on July 16 when Sr Maria deepened her commitment to God with First Profession. 

Sr Maria was joined for this occasion by her mother, her three brothers, aunts and uncles and cousin Vanessa and her granny. 

In previous years Sr Lucy, from Offaly, and Sr Evina, from Slovakia, made their First Professions and they hope to make Final Professions in the coming years.

In two month’s time the Redemptoristines will open their doors to women interested in discerning their vocation to the religious life with a vocations, or Monastic Weekend as they call it, from October 21 to 23.  

According to Sr Gabrielle, someone has already signed up for the weekend and she would welcome contact from anyone else interested.  

Those attending the Monastic Weekend will get a taste of the life of the community – joining the sisters in work and prayer.

Contact Sr Gabrielle at: gabrielle.fox@redemptorists.ie
 
For further info: www.rednuns.com
 
To playback Sr Maura’s profession see: www.churchservices.tv