August 15^th dawned bright and clear, almost as sunshiny as the joy radiating from the face of Sr. Frances Marie as she eagerly awaited the afternoon’s Mass and her consecration as the newest Bride of Jesus Crucified. We were joined for this blessed occasion by many of Sister’s family and friends from her hometown in upstate New York, along with her grandparents who trekked down from Michigan. Bishop William Medley of Owensboro, KY presided at the Holy Sacrifice and concelebrating were Fr. Brad Milunski, OFM, Conv. (whose homily we recently shared), Msgr. Bernard Powers, Fr. Joseph Mills, and Fr. Richard Powers. Sr. Frances Marie’s whole family assisted at Mass in various ways. Jude and Abram read the beautiful scriptures for the Solemnity of Our Lady’s Assumption, Sam and Matthew were altar servers, and Br. Emmanuel, OFM, Conv. made an excellent Master of Ceremonies. Her parents and grandparents participated in the offertory procession, symbolically offering their beloved daughter and granddaughter to the Lord along with the bread and wine presented for the Eucharistic sacrifice.

Below are a number of photos from the Mass (all taken by our friend Larena Lawson – grazie mille!). Click on them to view the entire photo with captions.

After the Mass was a reception prepared by our devoted Passionist Oblates, and Sr Frances Marie with the community greeted many friends and family members in the parlor. Here are some snapshots of the festivities! (Most taken by Larena Lawson, a few taken by the nuns themselves)

Finally, two bonus pictures for you: the cake we served at dinner to honor Our Lady and the newly-professed, and our three junior professed Sisters. Please join us in praying for many young women to answer the call of the Crucified Bridegroom to follow Him in Passionist Life!