Sr Robert Maria’s Solemn Profession Day 8th December 2014

This Advent has been a very special one in Glencairn as we rejoiced with Sr Robert on her day of Solemn Profession on 8th December 2014. The ceremony took place in the Abbey Church at 11:30am on the feast of the Immaculate Conception in the presence of Dom Augustine McGregor ocso, chief Celebrant, together with Fr Patrick Ryan ocso, our Chaplain here at Glencairn and several friends of Sr Robert and the community. Monks from other monasteries of our region also joined in the celebration.

Sr Robert Kottayil ocso was introduced to Monastic life in her home country of India where she met Bede Griffiths, the Benedictine monk who founded a Christian ashram there.

Sr Robert takes her name from St Robert of Molesme (1028-1111), first Abbot of Citeaux, the Mother House of all Cistercian monasteries in the Order. She aptly chose on the occasion of her Solemn Profession to add the second name Maria on this Marian feast day, December 8th, on which she entered Glencairn in 2009 and subsequently received the novice’s habit.

In his homily on the occasion, Dom Augustine spoke about the figure of Mary, mother of God, as the greatest model of call and commitment, surrendering her life to God’s service and plan for the salvation of all.

The palpable joy in evidence on this day was shared by Sr Robert’s friends some of whom could join us for the liturgy and celebration afterwards in the monastery refectory. We thank God for Sr Robert’s commitment to him in this community and we pray for the grace of her lifelong fidelity in the Cistercian way of life.

Photo: Sr Robert Maria together with Sr Ann, her junior director, cutting her profession cake.