Solemn Profession
of Sr. Maria
July 29 brought us much joy as our Sister Maria of the Holy Family made her Solemn Profession of Vows. Our Carmelite Provincial, Father Daniel Chowning, OCD presided at the Mass, joined by Father Nicolas Nguyen, Sr. Maria’s brother, our Chaplain Fr. Mark O’Keefe, OSB, and Our Benedictine friends Fr. Tobias Colgan and Fr. Bede Cisco. Sister Maria’s family, relatives, and friends came from California to participate in the ceremony of her Profession and to share in our joy.
Our chapel was filled with the community's friends and Sisters Maria's family, relatives, and friends from California wearing beautiful traditional Vietnamese dresses.
Father Nicolas proclaimed the Gospel. Father Daniel preached the inspiring homily on what it means to be a consecrated religious and a Carmelite.
Sister Maria made her Solemn Vows into the hands of Mother Mary Joseph: "I, Sister Maria of the Holy Family, desiring to live faithfully with the Blessed Virgin Mary a life of allegiance to Jesus Christ, with my Sisters as witnesses, into your hands, Reverend Mother Prioress, vow to Almighty God forever, chastity, poverty and obedience, according to the Rule and Constitutions of the Discalced Nuns of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel."
Mother Mary Joseph assisted in the veiling ceremony.
Sister Maria received the ring as a symbol of her espousal to Jesus, the Divine Bridegroom.
Then Mother Mary Joseph crowned Sister Maria, the Bride of Christ.
Mother Mary Joseph congratulated Sister Maria with the embrace of peace; then Sister Maria gave peace embrace to her beloved father and siblings in the chapel.
The celebration continued with the reception in the lodge after Mass. It was a special occasion to meet Sister's Maria family, the community's friends, and to share Vietnamese festive dishes.
The bridal cake was specially made and decorated by our Sisters for this special occasion.
Sister Maria's family added to the joy and festivity of our celebration with Vietnamese songs dedicated to Sister Maria, the Nuns, and all the guests.
We thank you for your love, prayer, and generous support for Sister Maria's vocation and our way of life. Please pray for Sister Maria as she continues her life as a Carmelite Nun.
May Sister Maria's consecrated life be a channel of God's blessings and grace to the world.