Wednesday, November 13, 2013

The Pronouncing of Vows

On the feast of the dedication of the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Saviour, 9th November, we had the great joy of witnessing Br Peter pronouncing his temporary vows.  This date is of special significance since it marks the 281st anniversary of Saint Alphonsus founding the Redemptorists.

Brother pronounced his vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience for a period of three years, taking the religious name: Brother Peter Mary of the Listening Heart of Jesus, F.SS.R.

Br Peter, a native of Montana, USA, kneels before the Altar during the beginning of the ceremony.

 Representing death to the world and the things of the world, Brother is covered with the funeral pall.

 Brother is questioned by the Rector Major:
What do you ask?
Reverend Father, having finished the time of my probation,
I desire to consecrate myself to Jesus Christ
and to enter this Congregation...

 Then, in the presence of his Saviour and Judge, Brother says the great words:
...Therefore, having spent several days of reflection and prayer, now, in the presence of Thy Divine Majesty, of Mary most Holy and Immaculate, my Mistress and Mother, of Saint Joseph, Saint Alphonsus and the whole Court of Heaven,, prostrate on my knees, I promise and vow for three years: OBEDIENCE CHASTITY and POVERTY...

Receiving the monastic pallium.

Brother Peter Mary signs the certificate of profession upon the altar, of great mystical symbolism as by his vows he begins the sacrifice of his life to Our Lord.

 Brother Peter Mary with some of his confrères.

Happily both brother's father and mother made it to Papa Stronsay all the way from America to be with him on his great day!

We wish for Brother every grace and happiness, but especially that grace of perseverance.
Sweet Mother Mary, pray for him and obtain him this grace,
for it is thy special charge to do so. 

10 comments:

  1. Many Congratulations, Brother.

    Deo Gratias.

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  2. Many congratulations, best wishes and prayers to Brother Peter Mary
    F.SS.R. God bless his parents - what a long way to come, I'll have to get my atlas out to find out exactly where Montana is! And of course God bless the F.SS.R community, of Golgotha Monastery, Papa Stronsay.

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  3. God bless Brother and may He grant him happiness in religion and a crown above.

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  4. Many Congratulations Br Peter Mary.

    May God bless you.

    Frater Marcin Góral (Berlin)

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  5. Congratulations, Br!

    I'm curious though, why is the brother at the far end in scarf and different cape?

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  6. Adam, he is a postulant, that is one who is trying the life before becoming a brother.

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  7. Congratulations Brother Peter, The Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer are blessed having you there. We do miss you in Christchurch and hope to see you again sometime.
    God Bless you and all the Community
    Lenore

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  8. MANY YEARS, Brother!

    Are those Canterbury Caps being worn? Most amazing.

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  9. No, not Canterbury Caps, just the Roman Biretta.

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  10. May GOD bless your journey, Brother Peter Mary!! Our "loss" (St. Joan of Arc Chapel) is the Church's gain!!
    You are in my prayers -
    Diane (Post Falls, Idaho, USA)

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