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A Holy and Solemn Procession of Religious
On Friday, October 10th, 2008, the participants of the 2008 NRVC Convocation prayerfully processed two by two through the streets of Louisville to the Cathedral of the Assumption. It was a visible way for us — Catholic religious sisters, brothers, lay people, monks, nuns, and priests from across the world — to stand in solidarity with the people of Louisville and the Catholic community.
Along the way we received many curious stares and a bit of laughter, but overall people met us with genuine respect and reverence. One gentleman even crossed the street to talk with one of the nuns and ask who we were and what we were doing.
All along the way the Louisville police blocked traffic so that we could process to the Cathedral without stopping.
Motorists were not all that happy, and I felt bad. But I also hoped that our presence would be not just a traffic stop sign, but a real “stop sign” inviting people if even for a second to consider pausing in the midst of the ordinary traffic of everyday life and remembering that they are beloved of God.
One of the nuns told me a great story about processing. She said that there was one intersection that the police had not blocked off near the Cathedral. Instead, there were two Knights of Columbus standing in the middle of the intersection holding up their hands to stop traffic. Although I wish I had a picture of that, the image of her words created a profound visual image in my mind — two Knights in full regalia, arms outstretched, white gloves pure as snow held up so as to stop traffic on a busy downtown intersection so that a silent procession of praying people could pass safely. The image resonated deep within me as I considered how people like the Knights of Columbus “have our backs” as religious, they protect us and help us along as we minister and pray. I was so deeply touched by their love and care for us.
At the steps of the Cathedral, the Knights of Columbus received us and welcomed us into the House of God.
We entered the Cathedral and dipped our fingers into the holy water of the Baptismal Font, a symbol gesture reminding us of our own Baptism and new life in Christ.
We began Solemn Vespers with the Litany of the Saints which was so solemn and so beautiful that it gave me chills. Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz presided over the liturgy, and during his homily he expressed his encouragement, support and gratitude of the work of Vocation Directors.
Solemn Vespers was one of the most amazing prayer experiences I have had. The community and solidarity I felt with other religious and vocation ministers and with God was palpable. It was definitely a peak moment for me both at the convocation and in my life.
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Sr. Julie,
In the picture of the Cathedral’s baptismal font, the nun (in habit) closest to the camera, do you know her name? I think she used to serve at our parish. She would be a Mantellate Sister, Servant of Mary.
The whole procession sounds wonderful and the pictures are beautiful. Thank you for including us in your conference.
Those KoC, they’re everywhere! (hah)
Looks like a good event and hopefully helped bring many closer to God and prayer.
Mama B — I don’t know her. She’s probably a vocation director so you might want to check the Mantellate Sisters’ website to see if she’s there. I’ll see if I can get some others who were at the conference to take a look at this to see if they know her. Blessings, Mama!
Hi, Sr. Julie,
Thanks so much for this. Two of our sisters were also there in Louisville, but I hadn’t had the opportunity to chat with them about the weekend yet. What a beautiful witness – a “stop sign” indeed!
Many prayers for you as you continue your vocations ministry.
Sr. Nicole, fmi
Thanks for the pictures and reflections! I, too, was a participant and found the procession and celebration of First Vespers moving. It was wonderful to experience the archbishop’s support of religious vocations. And we were again blessed on Sunday with the encouragement and humor of the previous archbishop, Thomas Kelly, OP.
Please note that I could not resist leaving the OP! He’s a brother Dominican.
Three cheers for the Knights of Columbus! When I was a postulant, we were sent to the local Catholic ollege (read: very expensive). I entereed with a BA and teaching certificate, but I was sent to the college to pick up some theology credits. The sisters told us they would pay for half of the tuition, but that we needed to come up with the other half. My Cal state education cost me about $1,000 in the 70s, and now I had to come up with $600?? I didn’t have it, and I couldn’t ask my parents to pay for this. I sat in the college chapel all dejected and worried. That night a salesman came to visit one of my classmates (He was a business partner of her father). When we were all gathered to greet us he said, “I’m a member of the Knights of Columbus. Does anyone need a scholarship?”
Hooray for the K of C!
PS–What a lovely witness this procession was!
Mama B – I know you posted a long time ago, but I just came across this page and can answer your question. I’m pretty certain the Sister you were referring to in the photo is Sr. Mary Catherine. She’s a Daughter of Charity.