Profession and profession

This was a portentous week for our monastic community. Two of our Brothers further committed to their monastic vocations. Br. Francis Beckam (previously known as Daniel) made his initial profession of the Benedictine vow on Tuesday, March 14 and Br. Luc Thuki made his life profession on the Benedictine vow on Saturday, March 18.

On Tuesday, we also welcomed Mr. Jeffrey Costello, of Magnolia, NJ, for a three-week aspirant visit. So we had two aspirants attending these joyous events this week as well as a monastic intern. It's all very uplifting.

Br. Francis Beckham's initial profession. From top left, clockwise: the bulletin; (then) Br. Daniel moments before making his profession; the examen of the Brother seeking profession; putting a cowl on over a monastic habit is not as easy as you would think; blessing the newly professed Brother; Br. Francis being greeted by his Brothers; a happy Formator (Br. Josép) and a happy Superior (Br. Robert James) sidling up to Br. Francis; the community with its two aspirants (in secular clothes).

During the week, friends of Br. Luc arrived to attend his upcoming profession of the life vow. Some came from as far as South Africa. They were greeted by the snow of a middling Noreaster storm.

Monastery people and their visitors. From top left, clockwise: Br. Ephrem delighting in the snow fall and taking pictures for his Louisiana family and friends; the Rev. Seth Naicker, from South Africa, with Br. Luc; Luc with the Rev. Wilma Jakobsen and the Rev. Merrishia Singh-Naicker, both from South Africa; Br. Ephrem rehearsing at the organ for both professions; Bros. Josép and Aidan in conversation in the refectory while the snow falls outside; two tables of guests and Brothers at Br. Francis' profession; member of the Grace Year program (based at Grace Church, Millbrook, NY and part of the Episcopal Service Corps program); Br. Ryan Richter, a Marist novice, talking with Mr. Samuel Kennedy at Br. Francis' profession.

Meanwhile, daily life keeps going on. One thing that needs doing regularly is blessing Holy Water. The sacristan leaves a note to whichever Brother is our next eucharistic celebrant and sets up the ingredients and the text of the blessing. The water is praye over and blessed. It then goes to greet visitors to the churh and serve other liturgical purposes (like blessing Brothers who make their profession, for example).

Blessing Holy Water. From top left, clockwise: the vestments for the next Eucharist laid out in the sacristy; the elements needed for the blessing (water, salt, the text of the blessing); the text of the blessing; the little note from the sacristan laid out on the chasuble for the presider to bless the water.

On Saturday, many retreatants and friends of Br. Luc assembled in our St Augustine Church for the big occasion. The Rev. Janet Vincent was the gospeler and preacher. A full church was there to accompany Br. Luc on this portentous occasion.

Befor the life profession. From top left, clockwise: the bulletin; the profession cross awaiting on the altar; the Rev. Janet Vincent and Br. Luc before mass, in the sacristy; getting the best seats (the Rev. Wilma Jakobsen, and Associate Michael Cudney, from NYC); more souls assembled; Br. Daniel Ludik, from our St Benedict's Priory in Hermanus, South Africa and Br. Luc.

The profession ceremony was beautiful and deeply moving, as all professions of the monastic vow are.

Br. Luc's life profession of the Benedictine Vow. From top left, clockwise: the examination of the Brother; the prostration before the altar while the Veni Creator is sung; the blessing of Br. Luc with holy water; the presentation of the most recently life-professed Holy Cross Brother; Br. Luc receiving the greetings of his Brothers (two pictures: Br. Daniel Ludik, Br. Josép); Br. Luc back in choir, sporting his profession cross.

Will you pray for our Brothers Francis and Luc in their monastic vocations? And would you pray for our Aspirants Mr. Anthony Letchworth and Mr. Jeffrey Costello? And would you pray for our Monastic Intern, Mr. James Huston who is living alongside our community until this summer? You are in our prayers too.