Sister Julie's Profession Story

September 6, 2006

The following are my reflections of my profession liturgy and ritual and afterglow.

My profession liturgy and ritual were very spiritually and emotionally moving, especially with my family present.  My mom and dad and four of my five brothers and sisters where here to celebrate with me from California and Alaska.  Plus, there were close to 70 other people in attendance—community friends and other Franciscans, which in another life would have made me very nervous.  But on my profession day, I was very peaceful and calm and felt incredibly blessed to have so many people who care about me and the community so much that they would give up their Saturday morning—an absolutely beautiful Saturday morning, I might add.  I still get goose bumps when I recall processing into our chapel to Sister Helen’s playing of “All Creatures of Our God and King” on the organ. 

When it came time for me to profess my vows, Sister Frances and I proceeded to the front of the chapel and faced each other.  Sister Frances was abbess when I first inquired five years ago and it was quite meaningful to me that she would receive my vows.  All the other sisters came up to where Fran and I where standing and stood around us.  I have never felt so loved in my entire life as I did in that moment in time.  As I professed my vows, I felt like the sisters were professing them with me, that I wasn't doing this alone.  It will surely be one of the peak moments in my life.  When I had professed my vows, the sisters sang "What you hold my you always hold" over me.  Then I hugged each sister and each one said something special in my ear.  Honestly, in my whole entire life I have never felt so loved.  Alleluia! 

Now in the afterglow, I actually do feel a little different.  When the sisters stood around me while I said my vows, I truly felt part of "the family" and instinctively knew that no matter what obstacles or struggles lay ahead for me in this community, I know I will have the grace and skills to work with them.  That doesn't mean I won't whine or complain, but I had a very strong sense that I have crossed a significant line or reached a pivotal point in my assimilation into religious life and that God will always be there for me no matter how hard or difficult the road ahead my be.  I felt the deepest sense of sisterhood that I have felt since my entrance.  And I have maintained that peace.  I find I am feeling a clear sense of rootedness, which is genuine and real.  I feel even more centered and focused on my journey than I ever thought was possible.  God is not only good; God is awesome and amazing!

 -- Sister Julie Ann of the Incarnation!