Clothing of Novices and Simple Profession 2009

On Saturday 12 September, the English Province rejoiced in the clothing of two new novices and the simple profession of fr Nicholas Crowe OP, both of which took place in Cambridge, the novitiate house.

The clothing ceremony, which took place in the morning, was only witnessed by Dominican brothers and sisters, who welcomed fr Andrew Brookes OP (above right) and fr Dominic McDevitt OP (above left) into their new Dominican life with us. Clothed in the habit of the Order, as a symbol of this, they were then entrusted into the care of the novice master for one year. They are shown above with their novice master, fr John Patrick Kenrick OP.

In his address to the novices, the Prior Provincial, fr John Farrell OP urged them not to be afraid but to trust in the Lord's mercy and that of the brethren. Please pray for our new brethren that they may persevere and be happy to "live in the house of the Lord".

Below are more photos from the clothing ceremony:

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me..." - Galatians 2:20

"Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life... " - Ephesians 4:22

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" - Matthew 11:29f

"For surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround him with your favour as with a shield" - Psalm 5:12

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" - Psalm 133:1

The Provincial shares his music with fr Dominic as they sing the 'Te Deum' together, thanking God for the gift of a religious vocation.

Both novices signed the Admissions book after the clothing ceremony. Here, fr Andrew signs the book as the novice master and fr Martin Ganeri OP, the prior of Cambridge, look on.

In the afternoon after the Clothing ceremony, fr Nicholas made his simple profession during Mass.

Prostrate in the form of a cross, the friar is asked what he seeks. He responds: "God's mercy and yours".

fr Nicholas makes profession and promises obedience for three years.

The Provincial exchanges a sign of brotherly love and peace with fr Nicholas.

The Provincial blesses the scapular of the newly-professed, saying: "Lord Jesus Christ, who in your great love put on the clothing of our mortality: bless, we pray, these scapulars, such as our holy fathers were accustomed to wear as a sign of dedication and humility. In your overflowing kindness, make those who wear them worthy to be clothed with you, who live and reign forever and ever."

fr Nicholas in the priory garden after his profession with his parents and brother.

fr Nicholas has moved from Cambridge to Blackfriars Oxford, where he will begin his studies in the Studium, and he will also be writing as a member of the Godzdogz team. Please remember him in your prayers.

For more information and help with discerning a Dominican vocation, visit our vocations webpages.