The Witness of Solemn Profession Blake Billings ’77, Ph.D.
Our liturgical experience was enhanced recently with the liturgy of Solemn Profession for Brother Benedict Maria Sagaya. We explore some of the distinctive elements of this liturgical celebration. … If after due reflection he promises to observe everything and to obey every command given him, let him then be received into the community. But he must be well aware that, as the law of the rule establishes, from this day he is no longer free to leave the monastery, nor to shake from his neck the yoke of the rule which, in the course of so prolonged a period of reflection, he was free either to reject or to accept.” (Rule of Saint Benedict, chapter 58) Our liturgical experience was enhanced recently with the liturgy of Solemn Profession for Brother Benedict Maria Sagaya. This liturgy carries fundamental significance for the monastic community, adding to it a new member and providing a profound expression of faith, a witness to the monastic and extended communities of Portsmouth Abbey. We will explore in this article some of the elements that compromise this distinctive liturgy, highlighting some of their theological significance. Sacred Space We should not overlook the sacred space in which liturgy occurs, the “first impression” for those joining the liturgical celebration. We are blessed with the beauty of our oratory, the Abbey’s Church of St. Gregory the Great. Its appearance was enhanced by the illumination of the array of candles surrounding the statue of Our Lady in the sanctuary. This has been the practice for the Solemnity of All Saints, emblematic of Our Lady, full of the grace of sanctity, as well patroness as Queen of Peace of the community to which Brother Benedict Maria was soon to commit himself. Preparation for his profession was visibly indicated in the sanctuary, before the altar, where a space had been opened, chairs for visiting brethren were set up, and a carpet laid marking the space where he was to lie prostrate, as those gathered lifted him in a litany eliciting the prayers of Our Lady and of all saints. Illuminating Our Lady
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P O RT S M O U T H A BBE Y S CH O O L
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