This is a continuation of an earlier post about a visit I made to St. Ann's Novitiate to attend the profession Mass for the Little Sisters of the Poor. For Part I of this post on my visit to the Little Sisters of the Poor Novitiate, click here or scroll down...
Pictured are the newly professed Little Sisters and the new novices along with Novice Mistress Mother Mary Richard (far left) and Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Center, NY.
The day after I arrived at the novitiate, the postulants became first year novices. They had planned their Mass of Entrance into the novitiate, but there weren't a lot of people there. It was very solemn and beautiful. I was anxious to see them in their habits for the first time, since I was already acquainted with one of them and had seen pictures of the others. They processed in ahead of the priest, with very prayerful faces. When Mass was over, their new religious names were announced.
They had received their habits at a ceremony earlier that morning, which I was not allowed to attend. They were still on retreat, so I did not get to visit with them yet. After Mass, I had lunch with a couple of other girls who had come for the profession, then I got to see the Little Sisters' home next door. We also helped with the preparations for the Big Day, and were invited to recreation after supper with the first-year novices.
The novitiate chapel was packed for the profession Mass. Sisters from other religious orders, including the Sisters of Life came. The Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa's order) sat next to me! The Brothers of St. John of God were also there - they have always been close to the Little Sisters of the Poor.
When the Profession Mass started, the novices getting ready to make their vows processed in wearing the full habit and carrying candles - although their faces were bright enough to light up the chapel. When it was time, the novice mistress called each one by name, to which they replied "You called me, Lord. Here I am!" Then each one made vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and hospitality for two years (they will make them forever at their final profession about five years from now). I regretted my decision not to bring along some tissues, because I started crying, especially when the musicians played this song by Twila Paris. It was all very beautiful.
After Mass, everyone gathered in a room called "Our Lady of Joy" to hear where the new sisters' first "obediences" would be. The Little Sisters of the Poor have three provinces in the United States, and each province got one of the new sisters. They would hear their specific assignments later on when everyone was gathered for lunch.
I stayed for a few days after, and got to know the novice mistress and some of the newly professed sisters. One afternoon I watched this adorable movie with one of the new sisters and her parents. I also got to know some other young women who are thinking about entering the order. It was nice to have a little quiet time also - even though the novitiate is in the middle of Queens, it was still very peaceful.
I hope this gives an idea of what it was like!
The cause for canonization of Father Stanley Francis Rother will be officially begin October 5, 2007. 
