The Franciscan Sisters, TOR of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother, located in Toronto, OH (outside of Steubenville) have invited me to capture their First Profession Mass for their sisters for the past 5 years, this past July I did the Final Profession Mass, and back in 2010 I documented the dedication of their new Chapel. All of these experiences have been highlights for me.
There is something so tender and beautiful to be able witness these young women dedicate their life to Christ and with so much joy on their face. After I left the most recent First Profession a few weeks ago, my friend who came with me, asked, "Why are they so happy!?" As this was not the experience of nuns that she had grown up with, and I simply answered, "Why wouldn't they be!? They have Jesus as their spouse!" There is a contagious joy that you get when you are around these women, and their home is so peaceful that you can't help but be at peace as well when you are there.
Whether they know it or not, one of my favorite things to do during these masses is to watch all the sisters to capture their beauty as they are in their quiet moments of prayer and praise! It is so beautiful to see the calm and serene looks on their faces as they are praying for their sisters who are taking vows, thanking God for all their blessings or just surrendering to the Lord.
So, as I was editing my most recent images from the First Profession at the beginning of August, I realized how many of these images I have of the sisters that I "caught praying," so I thought I would share these beautiful and intimate moments with you as well.
It kind of makes you want to stop and pray, doesn't it....
(to see the images from the most recent Final Vows and First Profession please visit
www.simpleheartphotography.com and click on "Proofing")
1 comment:
Totally beautiful work
Adrienne, New Zealand
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