August 3, 2006

Since so many of you, the friends of the friars, live well beyond the borders of the tri-state area, we are grateful to have the opportunity to share with you those events which make up our lives and bring us great joy, such as our investitures, professions, and ordinations. We know that you will rejoice with us as you see some photos of our recent community event, the profession of final vows. The profession Mass and ceremony was held this past Sunday, July 31, in the Church of Saint John the Baptist, just minutes away from our two friaries in Yonkers, New York: Saint Felix and Saint Leopold.

I would like to note that profession of vows can often be confused with the sacrament of Orders. It is not uncommon for some people, after witnessing the profession ceremony, to excitedly head home and tell friends and coworkers about the ordination they attended! Ordination, we can say, inducts a man into the ranks of the clergy; however, religious profession brings both men and women into the ranks of the consecrated. When a person is ordained, they are done so at the hands of a bishop to participate in the sacramental ministry of the Church. Religious profession, on the other hand, is not essentially about a man or woman doing anything, but rather, being something, namely, a public servant and witness for Jesus Christ.

As many of you may already know, a religious has a number of years before he or she makes final or perpetual profession of vows. The first profession is made after completing a full year of probation, discernment, and initial formation called the novitiate. This first profession is temporary vows, that is, for one year after which they are renewed annually and privately. After approximately four years, the religious may be eligible to make their final commitment which, of course, is public. The period of time between the novitiate and final vows has been likened to an “engagement” in some ways; therefore, final profession is like a wedding.

What are some of the essential “ingredients” which make a man or woman “a religious?” Unlike candidates for the priesthood, religious do not “study” to be religious, but are rather “formed,” partially by study and instruction, but also by living in community and serving in the community’s apostolate. Of course, those religious who also are seeking priestly ordination do attend a seminary; however, the work of spiritual formation is mainly accomplished “in house.” It can be said that religious are “home schooled,” spiritually formed by classes, workshops, colloquies, retreats, and most importantly, “living the life.”

Since the Franciscan Order has its roots in ancient history, the profession ceremony still retains a medieval character. For example, when the friar makes his profession of vows, he places his hands in the hands of the Community Servant, or superior, like a vassal would do with his lord. The same holds true with the prostration, perhaps the most striking feature of the friar’s profession. Before professing lifetime vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, the friars lie on the floor face down begging the intercession of Mary and all the saints during the recitation of the litany of the saints. This powerful expression of surrender signifies the death the religious makes to oneself and to “the world.”

The profession ceremony also includes the signing of official documents, one of which is the friar’s last will and testament. After the final profession of vows, the friar forever severs himself from all monetary and material possessions, divesting himself of the right to receive any personal possessions and properties, including his family inheritance.

Friends, what happened Sunday has been happening for years and will continue to happen. Why? Because we believe Jesus Christ is alive. Where? In his servants—there the poor, chaste, and obedient One remains with us. This is why we rejoice!

Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR