Behold the Bridegroom Cometh
On May13th 2006, record-breaking rains caused a state of emergency in New England, setting a new record. Eighty-nine years ago a similar deluge occurred in Fatima, Portugal, ending in the famous “Miracle of the Sun.” Both days made history, but the sun never came out this May, except metaphorically, in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel in Still River. There at 10:00 a.m. two Sisters, Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, professed their final vows as members of the community.
After three years of preparation, six months as a postulant and two and a half years stud
ying as novices, Sister Magdalene Marie and Sister Martina Marie entered the chapel dressed in white, 
accompanied down the aisle by their fathers. The Sisters, dressed as brides, were attended by Angela Keeler-Schwab and Mary Anderson, their flower girls. Father Santos, with the permission of Bishop McManus, officiated at the ceremony in which the High Mass was sung antiphonally by the Brothers and the Sisters.
The majestic solemnity of the Tridentine Mass was interrupted at the Offertory, when the vows were pronounced at the altar by each of the Sisters. The beautiful formulae of prayers and blessings ended with the promise of Eternal Life if they remain faithful to their vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. Then Father, after blessing their rings, pledging their espousals to Christ, gave them their professed habit, rosary and medal. The Sisters left the chapel in white gowns, returning in the full habit of the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Then the High Mass continued, incense filling the air adding to the beauty of the ceremony.
Sister Magdalene Marie, formerly known as Stephanie Fill, is a native of Massachusetts and the oldest of five children. She is also a graduate of Immaculate Heart of Mary School. “ The three vows, far from depriving us,” Sister observed, “prevent us from being distracted by the things of this world, so that we can offer all our love and life to Jesus and belong only to Him.”
Sister Martina Marie, formerly known as Cynthia Arriola is from Texas and the younger of two children. Her patron is Saint Martin De Porres. Sister Martina feels that, “ It is consoling to know that Christ has chosen the weak things of the world that no flesh may glory in His sight. To be called a spouse of Christ is an incomprehensible privilege in which I do not deserve. My life now begins”
After the Mass a long line of guests greeted the Sisters, wishing them “perseverance.” Then a reception in St. Agnes Hall followed, complete with a profession/wedding cake.
Please join us in asking God to bless these two young women who have left the world dedicating their lives and talents to His greater honor and glory.
AD JESUS PER MARIAM.
