The Making of a Nun -- Round Top Ceremonies of Vestation and Profession of Vows

JULY 2, 2018-- It takes a long time to make a nun…at least nine years. In that time, the candidate is tested in many ways as to the authenticity of her calling and her ability to live the communal, religious life. As her openness to the grace of God deepens her generosity and love for God and neighbor, she reaches the point of concretely and publicly making her vows to God.

Upon making her First Profession of Vows, she receives and wears a triangular Trinitarian emblem over her heart on her scapular showing the Holy Spirit descending over a golden Chalice.

Upon making her Final Profession of Vows, she receives and wears a simple, silver wedding ring on the right hand. The hearts symbolize the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The hearts are on either side of a Chalice of the Precious Blood. The vows are now considered lifelong and permanently binding.

A special symbol of Consecration, worn only on the day of Solemn Profession of Vows, Silver and Golden Jubilees, and finally in death; is the real crown of thorns. This is because a Bride of Christ must resemble her Spouse and welcome the sufferings Our Lord will ask her to bear, especially for the sake of priests in spiritual need. The thorn pricks received on the Joyful day of Solemn Profession are but a foretaste of the sacrifices to be asked of her by The Beloved in the years to come.

Mindful that no vocation happens in a vacuum, the Litany of the Saints is sung as the Sister prostrates herself in the form of a Cross on the chapel floor. Singing the Litany is no mere hymn but a powerful reminder of the family in Heaven willing to assist us in fully living out our vocations. We are not alone. The form of a Cross is a fitting reminder to what is actually taking place on this day. The Sister is to follow her Beloved, her Spouse right to the Cross with Joy.

The Community and assembled guests sing a hymn invoking an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this special day. All the Sisters celebrate and give thanks to the Holy Spirit remembering their own day of profession. During the Mass, all the Handmaids renew their vows together.


Climb Every Mountain -- From the Sound of Music -- Rodgers-Hammerstein

Climb every mountain,
Search high and low,
Follow every byway,
Every path you know.

Climb every mountain,
Ford every stream,
Follow every rainbow,
Till you find your dream.

A dream that will need
All the love you can give,
Every day of your life
For as long as you live.

Climb every mountain,
Ford every stream,
Follow every rainbow,
Till you find your dream.

A dream that will need
All the love you can give,
Every day of your life,
For as long as you live.

Climb every mountain,
Ford every stream,
Follow every rainbow,
Till you find your dream.