Our fictional novice, Sister Mary Rosaria, has been waiting long enough for her two years of novitiate to end with her profession of temporary vows! Follow her story from the beginning with our Vocation Letters series.
Ave + Maria
Dear Mom and Dad,
Prayerful greetings from Marbury! Time has just flown by since my first profession of vows on the feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 22. I’m so glad you and the whole family were able to make it for the ceremony and a delightful visit.
Being in temporary vows is such a big change from being a white novice. In our novitiate studies we learned about our monastic practices and the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and how they consecrate us to God and lead us more surely to the perfection of charity–how could I not desire even more to make vows and be truly consecrated to Him, on my way to Solemn Profession and consecration “until death”!
The Sisters have commented on how this interior transformation is externally visible almost immediately, with the change from the white to black veil. For a while they were mistaking me for some of the other Sisters who are near my own height, as everyone was getting used to seeing another black-veiled nun around the house. I still break into a smile whenever I catch a glimpse of my reflection!
My daily life is mostly the same, since I am still in formation in the novitiate community, although I do get a few more responsibilities in the kitchen and in choir. I desire to use these three years of temporary vows (with the additional years of renewal as necessary) as earnestly as I can, in order to correspond with the great graces Our Lord has given me in calling me to belong to Him in this vocation. Truly, it is all the doing of His Mercy!
With my love and prayers,
Sister Mary Rosaria of Divine Mercy, O.P.
Real Life First Professions: here and here. Learn more about our Stages in Formation; see our Vocation Page, or inquire about a Vocation to our community.