Aug
01
2019
By Anonymous (not verified)
Traditionally, Marian novices profess their first vows on Aug. 15 - the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Are you surprised? Why would our Marians profess their first vows on this feast rather than the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception?
"The two feasts are closely related," explains Fr. Chris Alar, MIC ("Fr. Joseph, MIC"), director of the Association of Marian Helpers. "The dogma of the Assumption states that Mary Immaculate was assumed body and soul into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. Why? Because she had never been touched by original sin or any sin and, therefore, was not prone to corruption like the rest of us."
Certainly, the Assumption celebrates when Mary goes to her eternal reward. But there's more, says Fr. Chris. "It also reminds us that God desires to see all of us in Heaven one day - both body and soul, as Mary is. She is a beautiful example for us of our calling to be holy and immaculate."
What an encouraging thought for a Marian making his first vows!
At the vows ceremony, one at a time, each man will be called forward to present himself and recite the words of profession:
I, (name), for the glory of God and the honor
of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary and all the
Saints, in the presence of the entire Community,
through your hands, most Reverend Father, vow
to Almighty God in the Congregation of Marian
Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most
Blessed Virgin Mary, according to its Constitutions,
the three vows: of chastity, poverty, and obedience
for one year. So help me God and this holy Gospel.
This year, the Marians have five novices approved to profess their first vows on Aug. 15 at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. Two men have been approved to profess their perpetual vows the following day.
"Our Marian seminarians faithfully pray for our Marian Helpers," Fr. Chris assures. "Please remember them in your prayers - especially those who will profess their first vows on Aug. 15."
Are you surprised? Why would our Marians profess their first vows on this feast rather than the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception?
"The two feasts are closely related," explains Fr. Chris Alar, MIC ("Fr. Joseph, MIC"), director of the Association of Marian Helpers. "The dogma of the Assumption states that Mary Immaculate was assumed body and soul into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. Why? Because she had never been touched by original sin or any sin and, therefore, was not prone to corruption like the rest of us."
Certainly, the Assumption celebrates when Mary goes to her eternal reward. But there's more, says Fr. Chris. "It also reminds us that God desires to see all of us in Heaven one day - both body and soul, as Mary is. She is a beautiful example for us of our calling to be holy and immaculate."
What an encouraging thought for a Marian making his first vows!
At the vows ceremony, one at a time, each man will be called forward to present himself and recite the words of profession:
I, (name), for the glory of God and the honor
of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary and all the
Saints, in the presence of the entire Community,
through your hands, most Reverend Father, vow
to Almighty God in the Congregation of Marian
Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most
Blessed Virgin Mary, according to its Constitutions,
the three vows: of chastity, poverty, and obedience
for one year. So help me God and this holy Gospel.
This year, the Marians have five novices approved to profess their first vows on Aug. 15 at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. Two men have been approved to profess their perpetual vows the following day.
"Our Marian seminarians faithfully pray for our Marian Helpers," Fr. Chris assures. "Please remember them in your prayers - especially those who will profess their first vows on Aug. 15."
bcbb
