401. Consecration of a Nun
Yesterday, this is what I posted on Twitter and Facebook “I’m off to Padua shortly, I'll tell you why when I come back. In fact if I'm lucky I may be able to show you why. #photos?"
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The church of St Giustina - Padua has Sr Alessandra's picture on wall |
And yes I was lucky enough to take photos of the consecration of Sister Alessandra taking her final vows. That’s not because I have any special privileges as a photographer or because there aren’t many others who do it, but because when I take photos I don’t use a flash, I deactivate all sounds a camera can possibly make, and most of all, I try not to be seen which is the hardest of all because you simply have to be within a visual vicinity of the targeted scene.
So you will need to take into consideration all those elements when viewing the following photos and turn a blind eye to the quality- rather think how precious it is to be able to view such a sacred moment that has been captured with the lens of a camera- it may not be eternal, like Sister Alessandra’s vows but it will certainly last quite a long time.
The entrance procession - Sr Alessandra is the last one
The Calling: Sr Alessandra Uliana's name is called out
she answers:
You called me, here I am. Lord
The "interrogation" takes place
All kneel to thank God for this vocation
Wiping a tear
The family
Promise made to the Order Sisters of Charit
The Promise is signed
Culminating Moment of the Consecration
The Blessing of the Professed
Sr Alessandra receives the Crucifix which is placed
around her neck by the Mother General
Which evokes a heartfelt applause
Liturgy of the Eucharist
The "Our Father"
The sign of peace
Sr Alessandra takes the Body of Christ
from the Priest's hands
And drinks the Blood of Christ from the chalice
The Parents, nuns and parish priest from her home town
our village
And then we went to eat
Yes, for always!
