What a weekend! This past weekend I had the great opportunity to share in the first profession of vows of Marianist Brothers Tom Farnsworth and Luis Gamboa... what a joy-filled experience. The Lord has, indeed, done great things for them... and our mouths were filled with laughter and our tongues with songs of joy!
You may recall that I used to have a picture in my profile with myself and 2 guys. That was Tom and Luis... my cohort, if you will, in Marianist formation. Soon, I will join them in their new identity as professed religious...
It was a short trip for me back to Dayton... just slightly longer than 2 days. But, what a FULL weekend it was! It was a gathering of Marianists from all over the U.S. and the families and friends of Tom and Luis. There was a lot of laughter, some tears, and beautiful prayer.
I have to admit something, though. At one point in their Profession Mass, I completely "zoned out." Or, perhaps I should say, I became very focused. It was right when each of them were actually professing their vows. It was as if I had tunnel vision all of a sudden and the rest of the congregation wasn't there. I kept thinking... that'll be me... that'll be me... It was strange, sort of. Like a sort of overwhelming awe at the reality. Then I looked over at my friend Brandon, who is now officially a second year novice... I saw his tears and mine followed shortly thereafter.
Now I'm back in San Antonio... looking ahead to profession, but more importantly to the life that will follow... and reflecting on the life that has led to this point. I have to keep in mind that the Mass of Profession is just one day. The life of a religious goes on from there...
Blessings to all who read this!
Sr. N
6 comments:
What a profound experience, Nicole! Thank you for sharing it with us. This week as part of a parish exhibit on images of Mary I picked up a list of Marian resources and guess what was a top the list? A web resource hosted on the University of Dayton website! Of course, I thought of and prayed for you :)
I’m delighted to have fallen over this site.
Thanks for what you offer.
I run a site called Liturgy
www.liturgy.co.nz
with a strong monastic flavour
and increasing, significant focus on the Liturgy of the Hours
http://www.liturgy.co.nz/ofthehours/resources.html
If you place these as links
please let me know so I acknowledge that and link back.
Blessings
hey there! just thought i'd say hello. It sounds like you are well. Not too much longer! :) Know that you continue to be in my prayers. I am working a retreat this weekend so I could use a few extra prayers. it'll be a good but, tiring weekend.
Nicole, I can't believe that it is less than a month until your profession day! I am so happy for you and continue to keep you in special prayer.
Thank you for your comments!
I can't believe I have less than a month either. 3 years goes by so quickly...
Thank you for the prayers and know of mine!
Sr. Nicole -
I just saw Brian Cranley and he's in San Antonio for the summer...didn't know if you knew that.
Good luck with this last month! whoop!
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