by Fr Martin Ganeri o.p.

Fr Martin Blesses the scapulars of the newly professed

Today, as we come together to witness and to celebrate the first profession of Sr Mary Magdalene and Sr Chiara Mary, we witness and we celebrate a moment of hope, hope for these two sisters, hope for all the sisters of the English Congregation of St Catherine of Siena, the Stone Congregation. Just as two days ago, the sisters celebrated another moment of hope in the clothing of Sr Cecilia Bernadette, Sr Rose and Sr Philomena Benedict, when they received the ‘garments of salvation, the ‘robe of righteousness,’ as Isaiah puts it (Isaiah 69:10), when the prophet celebrates his own hope for his people, that they will come to possess the happiness of being restored to their land and become a sign of God’s salvation that all can see and share in.

Sr Teresa Billington o.p

Sr. Rose receives the habit

It was in an article by Vivian Boland [o.p.] that I first read of the metaphor of the Trinity as Silence, Word and Music, and much of what I say is gleaned from that article. I remember Vivian saying he thought the first mention of the metaphor was by a companion of St Augustine.

For the next several weeks a series on 'The Sacraments' will be aired on Radio Maria.  The communities of Dominican brethren and sisters in Cambridge have collaborated to produce an ongoing programme to provide 'A solid and thoughtful understanding of Catholic teaching... enabling a deeper participation in Catholic life, growth in one’s relationship with God, and empowerment to witnessing to one’s faith in contemporary society.'  Follow the link here for further detail:  Radio Maria

For thirty-six hours we had the joy of having five novices at a time!  However today two will make first profession and become 'temporary professed' (known in the trade as 'teepees').  If you would like to watch this event (livestreamed at 12.00 noon BST), follow the link here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_HRGkmqNTE&feature=youtu.be. 

AND PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL OFTHEM!!!!!