Behold the birds of the air...

Fear not therefore: better are you than many sparrows. Matt. 10:31

This evening this small bird flew through an open window into the chapel.  After Night Prayer, Fr Magdala Maria managed to catch it, and bring it outside.  For a while it seemed content simply to sit on his thumb!

Profession of Fr Celestine Maria, F.SS.R.

On the Feast of St Alphonsus, 2nd August,  Fr Celestine Maria of the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary, F.SS.R. made his temporary profession of the Vows of Religion: Poverty, Chastity and Obedience.

  The Novice is questioned by the Superior regarding his desire to give his life entirely to God in Holy Religion, and his firm resolve to persevere therein.

 Prostrate on the ground and covered with the funeral pall while the Veni Creator Spiritus is chanted by the community, the Novice prepares to die to the world.

 Fr Celestine Maria, F.SS.R. pronounces his vows, kneeling before his God and ours; Him Who will judge us on the last day.

 Father receives the Pallium of the professed monk.

 All kneel while the newly-professed recites a prayer of thanksgiving.

Deo gratias et Mariæ! 

We wish Father Celestine all the best, and pray that he, and we persevere in this most excellent vocation of Religious Life.