Today, after months of anticipation, our Postulant Hannah received the Passionist habit and her religious name! The private Vestition ceremony took place in our chapel this morning, and a radiant new novice now walks the halls of St. Joseph’s Monastery. We’ll share pictures soon, but we won’t make you wait to hear Hannah’s new name! Enjoy the reflection below, written by …

Sister Bethany Marie of the Glorious Wounds of Christ

The name “Bethany” comes from the town located close to Jerusalem, where three siblings live: Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Their stories can be found in John 11:1-44 and 12:1-11, and Luke 10:38-42. Between the three siblings, they have shown me faith, hope, and love.

Martha shows me faith in that, while in mourning the death of her brother, through confusion and frustration at Jesus’ delay, she still professes Jesus as the Messiah.

Lazarus, who was raised from the dead, shows me hope of the resurrection and new life.

Mary shows forth love as she sits at the Lord’s feet listening to him, which, as is said, is the better part, a great model for contemplative life. She also shows forth love in getting up and running to the Lord when he calls and anointing His feet while at supper, demonstrating her undivided heart.

The name “Bethany” ultimately is a reminder to me to be a dwelling place for the Lord, to be His companion.

The second half of my name, “Marie,” is of course after our Blessed Mother, since each sister has a Marian name to show forth our devotion to Mary. I requested mine to be “Marie” in honor of my late grandmother, Ellen Marie Roby, who I believe prayed me into the monastery, both while on earth and in Heaven.

Lastly, each sister has a special devotional title. Mine is “of the Glorious Wounds of Christ.” I asked for this because the wounds of Christ are so significant. They are how the Lord shows forth His identity after the Resurrection. They become glorious then, because they take the horrors of Good Friday and turn them into the joys of Easter Sunday. I caused His wounds by my sins, but it is by His wounds that I am saved, which is just really incredible.

Please keep Sr. Bethany Marie in your prayers as she begins her two-year novitiate, an intense time of studying and preparing for Passionist vows. Stay tuned for pictures of the Vestition and of the new novice next week!