The morning of my Investment, I was a disaster.
I had slept very poorly, anticipating what was to come. Knowing that a good night’s sleep would be crucial, of course I was more awake than ever – like a kid at Christmas!
When the bell to wake up rang, I got up to wash my face and saw big bags under my eyes and a frizzy mass of hair.
I got dressed and went to the Chapel for Divine Office, and every Sister I locked eyes with beamed at me. I couldn’t help it; I began to glow!
At Mass I had intense butterflies. Not the cute, fluttering kind, these were waging a full-scale war. When I received Our Lord in Holy Communion I began to calm down. He gave Himself to me; this was my chance to finally begin returning the favor.
During the ceremony itself, things moved pretty quickly. The readings, the haircut, the clothing (!) all passed by in a blink. I was trembling when I sang the Psalm: Here I am Lord. I come to do your will.
Following in the footsteps of St. Clare, the young sister's hair is cut, a sign of renouncing the world so to cling to the Lord more closely.
She then receives the Franciscan Habit, the sign of her dedication to Christ and in veneration of Our Lady.
After being clothed, she is given the white veil, symbolic of her call to be a pure spouse of Christ.
The biggest moment though, was the new name. Who will I be? Who is He calling?
Reverend Mother spoke the words from the Mouth of the Lord, and I smiled. There was joy. Peace. An internal sigh.
Here I am, Lord. Send me.
Waiting to hear her new name.
I smiled. There was joy. Peace. An internal sigh.
This ceremony marks the beginning of her novitiate, it is the first step in the progressive solemnity of milestones in her religious life.
To read more about the stages of the PCPA Vocation visit our Formation Page!