Come to the table: Sister Julia Walsh celebrates first profession of vows

On July 24, just nine days before celebrating her 28th birthday, Sister Julia Walsh “came to the table” with her fellow Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, family and friends for her first profession of vows.
“Sister Julia, we are here to celebrate your vowed commitment to the Gospel call of love, said Sister Marlene Weisenbeck in her welcome. “As we welcome you, your family and your friends and all the Franciscan Sisters, we proclaim the unconditional welcome and acceptance of God.” About Sister Julia’s journey ahead, Sister Marlene offered, “You will engage in the sacrament of the poor and the sacrament of the ordinary. Like Jesus, light a fire. Bring in the bread. Invite your friends. This vowed life of yours will clothe you and lead you in ways you never imagined. Give it time. Give it love. Give it all you have.”

Father Paul Ouderkirk, presider, commented that Sister Julia chose readings very inspired by grace. “If you notice in the first reading, Isaiah (55:1-3, 10-12), there was an invitation. In the invitation it said, ‘Come to me heedfully, listen that you may have life.’ That’s an invitation if I ever heard it.” Father Paul then stated it was his privilege to invite Sister Julia to share her reflections, “God’s grace from her heart, words that give us all life.”

Sister Julia opened her reflection welcoming all to “the table.” “You’ve come to a table of God similar to the ancient places where believers committed themselves to the fire. Here at this table, like the table that the Prophet Isaiah preached about, you need not pay anything or do anything. ‘Just be,’ God says, ‘and I’ll give.’” Recognizing her blessings, she declared, “I am here to do God’s will, to make my vows and say ‘yes’ again and again to that Great Love that I’ve known only in Jesus.” She continued, “I’m blessed abundantly by the companionship and friendship from each of you. You all serve different roles in my life. Some of you have held my hand and helped me walk. Many of you have prayed with me and prayed for me. Some of you have cried with me. A lot of you laughed with me. Others of you have been outright silly with me. We’re a bread breaking community with Jesus at the center. It is our pure joy to make more and more space so that every day folks can join us in our peaceful adoration. I’m so happy we’re here together.”

About her journey, Sister Julia said, “Many have recognized my vocation even when I’ve tried to avoid it. Like in the psalm, though I am afflicted and poor, Jesus keeps me in mind. He’s my help and deliverer, never delaying to be present and walk with me. Creation knows, there’s much to rejoice about. The path has been windy and steep. It’s been rocky in places, and in other places it’s been very smooth. There have been ups and downs. Sometimes I went in circles. When I’ve been exhausted I’ve been permitted to rest. And when I’ve had a burst of energy it’s been okay for me to freely run and dance on the Holy Ground.”

In closing, Sister Julia expressed her gratitude that the time has come to shout her love for God through the canyons and over the rivers. “I get to declare my vows and then unite again and again with Jesus, whom I love.”

Sister Karen Lueck then called forth Sister Julia. With her companion, Sister Cecilia Corcoran, by her side, Sister Julia professed the vows of poverty, consecrated celibacy and obedience. She resolved to live her life following in the footprints of Jesus Christ, as did Francis and Clare.