Perpetual Monastic Profession of Sr. Kimberly Porter
December 9, 2006
Holding her profession candle, Sr. Kimberly enters St. Walburg Monastery chapel, followed by Sr. Mary Catherine Wenstrup, Prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Covington, Kentucky and Bishop Roger Foys, Bishop of Covington.
Sr. Mary Catherine welcomes the assembly to the Eucharistic celebration and the celebration of the Rite of Monastic Profession.
As part of the rite, Sr. Mary Catherine questioned Sr. Kim about what she sought from the Church and the Benedictine community. Sr. Kim then spoke her monastic profession.“I, Sister Kimberly Ann Porter, freely promise through perpetual monastic profession, obedience, fidelity to the monastic way of life and obedience according to the Rule of Our Father Benedict …”
After speaking her monastic profession, Sr. Kim signs her profession document on the altar.
With arms upraised Sr. Kim sang the Suscipie, “Receive me, O Lord, as you have promised and then I shall live and never lose hope.” With arms upraised the Benedictine sisters repeated the refrain.
Sr. Kim prostrated before the altar.
Sr. Martha Walther and Sr. Mary Tewes covered Sr. Kim with a pall recalling her baptismal promise “to die to selfishness and self-will.”
The community sang the litany of the saints, asking God to strengthen and sustain Sr. Kim in her commitment.
After the litany of the saints Sr. Kim rose as the community sang, “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead and Christ will shine upon you.” Then Bishop Foys said a solemn blessing which was followed by the blessing of the profession ring which Sr. Mary Catherine presented to Sr. Kim.
Sr. Kim with her family after the ceremony.
Sr. Mary Catherine, Bishop Foys and Sr. Kim after the ceremony.
