First Profession of Vows at the Priory of Ephesus

Last April, a young woman from the former San Juan Bautista parish in El Paso took her first vows at the Benedictines of Mary Queen of the Apostles at the Priory of Ephesus in Missouri.  Bishop Robert Finn was present, as was good friend of this blog Fr. Michael Rodriguez and several young men from San Juan Bautista serving at the Mass. The TLM High Mass was offered by a priest of the FSSP, which has a close association with the Priory of Ephesus.  JMJHFProductions produced two high quality videos of this blessed event, and posted them recently on Youtube.  Here they are:

Part 2:

Fr. Rodriguez plays a central role in the Mass, although he is not the celebrant.

What a glorious occasion!  I have assisted at clothings of nuns at the Carmel in Dallas (and, I think there are some clothings or professions coming soon at the Carmel! – I need more info!), but it’s different with the cloister they keep, the sister being behind the screen.  Nevertheless, they were very moving, inspiring occasions.  There is something so glorious about a young person offering themselves to Christ in a state of purity, denying so much of what the world sees as absolutely essential for “fun” and “happiness” in order to pursue the true happiness and life-fulfilling satisfaction that flows from our Lord and Savior.  I never cease to be amazed at people who are willing to offer their lives to God in this most complete of manners, trading the world for the traditional life of a religious in a cloister.  Lord, send us more such souls!

The Benedictines of Mary Queen of the Apostles continue to grow.  They have of course moved into a newer and larger monastery but even that may be filled up soon, if they continue to attract women to this life of prayer, work, and self-denial. I think they are up to 21 now?  I know in a Carmel, if they get much above that number, they will tend to “separate for me Paul and Barnabas” and start a new chapter. Anyways, these faithful religious orders always need your help, so please consider supporting, in your charity, the Benedictines.

Does anyone know if religious orders are subject to diocesan assessments?  Do they get “assessed” by their orders/regionals?  I know some pious souls have concern where their money may wind up if it is assessed by a Church entity that then spends some of that money on something they simply cannot support.  I know those souls would like to find places for donations that are “safe.”  This may be a separate post, later, but I would like to help people (myself included) caught in this conundrum.  Any input (even negative, as in, it’s almost impossible to escape these assessments) would be appreciated.

 

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