April 13, 2007

We who were present at St. Adalbert Church on March 25 th have an inkling at best of the real significance of what took place.

Certainly we saw with our own eyes a radiant young woman process into the church. We knelt with her as she prostrated herself before the altar, and before all of heaven, as the litany of the saints was sung. We heard with our own ears her clear voice ring out as she professed her vows: to observe for her entire life the rule of SaintFrancis of Assisi . . . living in obedience, without property, in poverty, and in chastity.

We watched the wedding band of espousal to Christ be slipped onto her finger and the crown of thorns be placed upon her head. And lastly, we watched the presentation of the candle, a reminder of the light of Christ, a light that she has been called to live in and to radiate out into the darkness of this world.

At the end of the Mass, Sr. Francis made a consecration to Our Lady and placed the candle she had received at our Lady’s feet, its steady flame burning bright, the candle being slowly consumed. This was an apt symbol of what lies ahead for Sr. Francis, and for each of us trying to make a gift of ourselves to God

What this all really means for the Church, for the world—what it really means to God Almighty—is a mystery which will unfold through the course of Sr. Francis’ life in time and eternity. It is enough, perhaps, to know that the Bridegroom has called, the Bride has responded, and the Father’s will is being done on earth as it is in Heaven.

Sr. Clare Matthiass, CFR

Our Lady of Guadalupe Convent

Bronx, NY