Inauguration

The following are photos from our trip to Pennsylvania for the Inauguration of the Aspirancy School of Blessed Marie Catherine of Saint Augustine

 The Mass was celebrated on the Feast of the Exultation of the Cross, which happens to be the main feast day for the Sister Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará.  Mass was celebrated in the newly dedicated church of Saint Rocco, a beautifully simple church in the Spanish mission style.

 The four girls received miniature Crosses of Matará.  They were very excited about receiving such a special honor.  Apparently not even new postulants receive Crosses of Matará.  Oleander is third from the left and is pictured kissing her newly blessed cross.

It is customary for the sisters to reaffirm their temporal or perpetual vows on the Feast of the Exultation of the Cross.

 Here the girls are following the Mass along with Mother Ephesus on the right and Sister Divine Innocence on the left.

 It is also customary to have a large party/reception following any IVE ceremony.  The Sisters from the different houses provided the entertainment.  Pictured here are the new postulants for the order along with Sisters assigned to help at the Novitiate House.  They have one of the largest groups of new postulants they've ever had.  There are 18 young women living in the Novitiate House of Bl. Kateri Tekawitha

 The Aspirants, along with Sisters Hope and Divine Innocence joined in providing entertainment.  Oleander was allowed to use a handmade Haitian drum that belongs to one of the Sisters from Haiti.

 Oleander has never been very cooperative when it comes to photos being taken of her.  Hopefully, over time, she might improve.  What a face!