On 6 September 2014, fr. Oliver James Keenan and fr. Matthew Theophilus Jarvis made Solemn Profession in the Order of Preachers at the Priory of the Holy Spirit, Oxford. Many friars, sisters, and lay Dominicans, as well as the families and friends of the two brothers, came to celebrate with them.
Solemn Profession is the final commitment of a brother to remain a Dominican for life – or, in the words of the profession formula, 'until death' (usque ad mortem). He promises obedience to God, to Blessed Mary, to Blessed Dominic, and to the Prior Provincial, who takes the place of the Master of the Order, and to his successors. Thus, Solemn Profession is about committing one's whole future to the Order, to serve the Church and the world through this band of Dominicans.
As our brother Thomas Aquinas says, to take a vow is the only way to give our future, which must be lived successively through time, in the single moment of the present (see ST 2-2.186.6 ad 2). You could say that this is the greatest gift of oneself, the greatest use of our 'present'. Married couples, similarly, can attest to the importance of their vows as an act of total generosity towards each other.
Little wonder, then, that the Solemn Profession and the reception afterwards were very joyful! Some people travelled great distances to be in Oxford for the day, and many others also showed great kindness and generosity.
Please keep fr. Oliver and fr. Matthew in your prayers as they make this new beginning as fully committed Dominican friars in the service of God.
Deo Gratias!
Here are some more pictures of the celebrations:
What a dashing photo of a beautiful cake - I sincerely hope that's liquorice on the top!
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