The beginning of our Sister Angelique's reflections on her Solemn Profession

 Reflections on the Ceremony of the

Religious Consecration

of

Sister Mary Angelique of the Infant Jesus

June 19^th, 2021

 

Opening of the Mass

    The consecration of virgins takes place within the actual consecration of the world and mankind through the representation of Christ’s Death and Resurrection, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.  Something is done to the virgin by God, through the Church, setting her apart.

 

    The virgin is substantially changed by this consecration.  She is consecrated in her being and activity.  She is consecrated to the very center of her personality.  She is called forth out of the world, and responds with a decision that affects her whole life.

 

    This coming forth from the world is fittingly described in the opening hymn.  The choice of the virgin for Christ is a definitive commitment to leave the things of time for those of eternity, the kingdom of this world for the Kingdom of Christ.    Yet she does this in order that her earthly life may be dedicated to the spread of this Kingdom, even in this world.

 

The Rite of Religious Consecration

     The Rite of Consecration begins with the call of the bride, immediately after the homily.  It is situated at the place in the Mass when the faithful ordinarily pronounce anew their Profession of Faith, the Creed, or, as in the case of the Easter Celebration, renew their Baptismal Vows.  This is fitting enough, since Religious Profession is a profession of faith par excellence. Through the questioning of the Bishop, the bride is given the opportunity to speak her desire and her promise to remain faithful until death. 

 

     It is then that her consecration begins with a symbolic death to the world, and a reception by the heavenly community, as the communion of saints is invoked.  

After this she sings the verse “Receive me, O Lord…,” followed by her pronunciation of the formula of perpetual vows, which bind her until death to what she has promised, and seals her spousal covenant with her Bridegroom, Christ.  Then the Bishop, on behalf of Christ, makes the solemn promise that if she remains faithful to what she has vowed, she will receive everlasting life.