Source: http://www.franciscanfriars.com/fr.%20glen...frglenn1040.htm

CFR Sisters - Investiture 2007

“Why’s that lady gotta rope ‘round her dress, Momma?”

“That’s for the faith, darlin’.”

That’s as succinct and accurate an explanation of the Holy Habit as I’ve heard! It was an exchange between a little girl and her mother at an Oklahoma gas station we happened by on our recent Mission West.

The Postulants were counting down the days to their investiture at the time, and now, as of yesterday, (Feast of Our Lady Queen of the Angels) they are among the ranks of those who wear “a rope around their dress” - and veils on their shorn heads too.

And yes, it is “for the faith.”

For the faith that God is the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth.

For the faith that Jesus Christ, is His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under PontiusPilate, He was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again.

For the faith that He has ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

For the faith in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Yes, our four beautiful new Sisters believe, not just in an idea, but in a Person, Jesus Christ. And their faith has grown into a love, and this love has made a response. Please pray for them, that their belief will deepen, that their love will grow and that their “yes” will ever be their response to God’s loving voice.

Sr. Clare Matthiass, CFR
(for more details on the meaning of the habit, click here)

Pictures from the Article:







So beautiful!

indeed.

Praised be Jesus Christ!!

They look amazing! Any ideas what their new names are?

Found it!
(left to right)
Katherine Elizabeth Cowan, now known as
Sr. Veronica Catherine of the Pierced Heart of Jesus

Josephine Felicity Ama Callaghan,
now known as
Sr. Faustina Joseph of Jesus through Mary

Whitney Anne Bouchard, now known as
Sr. Felicity Marie of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Katherine Marie Wallyn, now known as
Sr. Teresa Magdelene of the Holy Family

Oh my GOSH those are gorrrrgeous names!

Aren't they though? Such joy entered my heart upon reading these beautiful new names! Sorry I forgot to post them.

Wonderful News!!! So inspiring!

Aww! That's so pretty. Thanks for sharing!

Those names are absolutely beautiful!!!!!

The new novices are beautiful and look soooooooooooooooooooooooo happy.Thank you for sharing.

Yaaay! Thanks for posting an update on this order. I'm so excited for them, it's ridiculous! LOL!

+

THANK YOU! Lovely! Say, when will the new postulants enter?

I want to say they enter in September but I'm not positive. I've not been in touch with them in some time!

the 2007 class will enter as Candidates in September, then if accepted/still feel called, will become Postulants next February.

The novices' faces are what we would call noori in Arabic. The best translation is 'light-filled' or 'light-brimming' ('noor' is light) but it doesn't have the same ring in English, somehow.

Noori... I like that. I can't wait to see them again...

Maybe the best translation would be radiating?

They look so happy.

Radiant, maybe. But it still doesn't have quite the same ring somehow. I can never get translations spot-on. This is what happens when you think in one language and write in another...

Tell me about it (I wonder how many people would appreciate it if I started blabbering in Dutch here... probably not many )

I was wondering - I didn't see any pins or such, how do they manage to keep their veils on?

It's tied on in the back at the nape of the neck... one of the Sisters showed me when I was visiting.
I think I would always feel like it was slipping, but they assured me that you get used to it pretty quickly.

That makes sense. Thanks!

I once witnessed a Carmelite DCJ standing on a balcony during a storm (let's not discuss whether that was a good idea in itself ) and her veil didn't move a millimeter, despite the flapping back. It was a sight to behold

My cousin is a Carmelite DCJ!!! I think their veils are a little different, as they wear a cap underneath the veil. But it also ties.. The DCJs came and played football at our house one Thanksgiving, and their veils stayed on very nicely, despite a little bit of rough play

Interesting. I didn't know that.

I dont mean to hijack the thread, but I just wrote a letter to the CFR's. Its pretty short and basically just asking for more information, but I really feel the Lord guiding my heart there. Please pray for me as i continue to discern.

You have my prayers, Chelsea.

Praise God for your "yes" and willingness to investigate His call further! try not to get discouraged if it is a while before Sr. Clare is able to write/call you back. for starters, she usually takes her two-week home visit in August. Also, she does have her plate full as the local servant (she has a house to run), the formator for the incoming class, and the vocations director. Just trust in God's timing.

Peace in Christ!

Getting dreadfully off-topic, sorry

But - how cool I've been to a retreat at the Motherhouse not too long ago and there are very old sisters there with the "old" style veil - squarish, do you know it?

Thank you for letting me know this! I havent sent the letter yet... for some reason I'm scared to do it. To be honest, I wrote it in adoration and really have no clue what is on that paper. I think I'm going to mail it tomorrow. But I appreciate you telling me that it will take time. I would be the one to freak out after not hearing anything. Thanks :]

They won't bite. I've met three CFR's. All three of them were very kind and gentle. It really does look like a good Order to be a part of.

As with everything, patience is a must. Trust in God's timing and all will be well. Sister Clare is actually very good about returning calls/letters considering how much she ALWAYS has to do!

May the peace of Christ be always yours.


I've not been bitten by one yet, either. :

I had a party with a CFR sister last night (Sr. Catherine) who was home for her home visit. It was awesome. She told me a story about almost loosing her veil to a picket fence (and her face turned bright red!) The CFR Sisters are amazing- While I'm glad to know my vocation is to marriage, and I know I'm certainly not called to the religious life, I have a lot of respect for their vocation!

The picture of the novices is taken in the little cloister at the Dominican monastery in the Bronx. I think the investiture ceremony was held there. It's been held there in the past.

Beautiful pictures.

We had the CFR friar novices over for St. Dominic's day. We had a great time afterward visiting. The FRANKS and the DOGS!

PLEASE, someone DOES get the pun, right?

Yep, it looks like you're right Sister!



Corpus Christi Monastery

What a beautiful place to have it!

Yeah, religious have hundreds of years' experience developing sturdy veils!

Sr. Catherine is probably the most joyful person i've ever known! even when she is stressed, she still has a peaceful and positive spirit! glad you got to meet her!