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