Sister Sarah professes perpetual vows with ‘love and gratitude’

“Today, we are gathered for the privilege of witnessing Sarah Hennessey profess perpetual vows as a Third Order Regular Franciscan,” said Sister Beth Saner during Sister Sarah’s perpetual vow ceremony on Sept. 24, 2011. Presiding over the ceremony was Father John Sauer, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna, Minn., where Sister Sarah currently ministers. He was joined by Father Andy Vogel, also of Sacred Heart Church.

Sister Sarah was joined by her family and friends, her parish community and her Franciscan sisters and affiliates. Her niece carried flowers of memory down the aisle as Sister Sarah carried the precious lard light and the congregation sang Canticle of the Sun. Sister Deb Schwab, Sister Sarah’s companion sister, followed.
Sister Linda Mershon welcomed everyone gathered, exclaiming that “it is an occasion filled with joy as we celebrate how God has blessed us with a woman as fine as Sarah.”

Sister Eileen McKenzie shared a reflection following the Gospel. “We all know that Sarah has not just found Jesus but has been coming to know Jesus her entire life,” said Sister Eileen. “Each step she has taken toward Jesus has been a step in intimacy and growth—necessary steps in a vibrant relationship with her God.” And recognizing those who have come before Sister Sarah, Sister Eileen added, “As a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, Sarah joins thousands of women who, for the past 163 years, have answered a call to share life within a particular charism, one in which we dedicate ourselves 24/7 to engage the Divinity that Jesus reveals to us—a Divinity which we believe is to be found everywhere, in every situation, and always to be reverenced.” She then called to Sister Sarah and simply said, “Welcome home.”

From the singing of Psalm 139—set to music that Sister Sarah composed—to This Little Light of Mine, the song sung by all as they processed out of Mary of the Angels Chapel, the music completed Sister Sarah’s ceremony.
Following the ceremony Sister Sarah shared her own reflection on the day. She said, “To me the day was a homecoming. In Jesus and my FSPA sisters I have found my home. Home, as you know, is a complex place. The people we love the most are often the people we hurt the most. And as we come to forgive each other we love each other more.”

Watch Sister Sarah’s vow ceremony slideshow.