Invitation to Perpetual Profession

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Photo credit: Sr M. Louise
The invitation which I gave to all those attending Masses in our Parish:


Good evening/morning. My name is Sr. Louise O’ Rourke and I’m a religious sister from the Disciples of the Divine Master here in Castle St. Whilst being a native of Athlone, I’m probably a familiar face for some and not too familiar for others, as I have spent all of my formation years since I entered in 1998 outside of Athlone in our communities in Dublin, Italy, Poland and Vatican City. I returned less a month ago to Ireland to prepare for a very joyful event which is coming up next Sunday the 19th of June,  where I will make my Perpetual Profession as a lifelong member of our Congregation. This for me, closes one chapter which began when I came for a live-in discernment in the community in Dublin whilst it opens another of this vocation which has been maturing, tried and tested and which peaks in Perpetual Profession and then continues to mature on life’s journey!

The celebration will take place at 3pm here in this Church with the Mass and Rite of Profession celebrated by Bishop Christopher Jones. You are all very welcome to join for the event. Perpetual Profession is specifically done in a public context as an expression of one’s total commitment to their brothers and sister. In turn, the presence of the parish community is an assurance of their commitment to pray and support the person making Profession. As indeed as I can testify, I have been very blessed with the support I have received throughout the years, as well as the great welcome I have experienced from the parish, priests and people of Athlone whenever I come back.

In preparation for the event, there will be Prayer Vigil on the 17th of June at 8pm- 9pm in the Chapel of Adoration ,all are welcome to join for this.
In the meanwhile, I ask you to keep me, my religious sisters and my family in your prayers as we come closer to the celebration and at the same time with the feast of Pentecost pray for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon each one of us and for the whole Church.

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