Yesterday evening at 5 o’clock we clothed three men with the Benedictine habit of Saint John’s Abbey marking the beginning of their novitiate year. It was a solemn occasion as always. Because two of the three are graduates of Saint John’s University, David Allen and Richard Crawford, there was a very large representation from the two colleges and the School of Theology. After we shared the PAX or the “Peace of Christ” with the new novices in the monastic cloister – beginning with applause followed by each member of the community embracing and congratulating the new novice – we proceeded to the Great Hall for a simple reception with the large crowd that had attended the service. It was so good to meet immediate family and friends!
Deo Gratias!
In the foreground you see the folded habit with belt for each novice. The habits are “hand-me-downs” typically belonging to a monk who has died. If the novice perseveres through novitiate and is accepted for first vows he will have a new habit made for him.
The novices wear a suit coat which they remove symbolizing the “taking off” of the life they are leaving to prepare to “put on” the monastic way symbolized by the habit of the community.
The past year’s novices (who will make first vows on Wednesday!) assist in the investiture of the new novices. It is a solemn but joyful occasion!
Peace, bpv
