Sr Joanne Browne, OC made her final profession at a richly spiritual ceremony at St Mary's Church, Mucurapo on the feast of St John of the Cross, Tuesday, December 14. Archbishop Edward Gilbert was the chief celebrant.

Also assisting at the profession Mass were the Episcopal Vicar, Msgr Christian Pereira and other priests, including Friars Vincent, Garth, Gerard, John Horan, and Brother Hasley, OC. Many Sisters of our Trinidadian Carmels were there as well as family, friends and well-wishers.

Two banners carried the bold words: “If thou didst know the gift of God”, and “Empty, to be filled” with a clay-pot emptying onto a basin. The altar's frontal banner was the Carmelite crest with its words “Serve the Lord with gladness”.

The St Mary's choir led the packed Church in the singing. Sr Petronilla did the First Reading from the Song of Songs. Sr Katrina led the Responsorial Psalm and Sr Clare Marie did the second Reading from St Paul 's letter to the Romans. Friar Vincent, OC from India , read the Gospel from Luke, “The Annunciation” text.

The Profession ceremony immediately followed the Gospel. Sr Joanne requested of the Archbishop that she make her final vows in the presence of Sr Antoinette Dickie, Superior General, and witnesses, Srs Adriana and Petronilla.

In his sermon Archbishop Gilbert explained that “unity” of vowed-life in Carmel demands that, for the rest of our lives, we live a life of love. Love sounds easy and joyful, but the real point is, “staying in love”.

Sr Joanne Browne, OC at right

The secret is within who we are for most of us are at different points of loving. Temporary and Perpetual Profession of Vowed Life takes time to grow to its fullness. It is an ongoing reality of a special life of loving.

A Religious “in love” comprises a deep relationship with the Lord.

Mary's questions to the angel relate a message to us of obedience. It is “openness” to the “unknown of life”.

The Religious surrenders self to the Lord to serve as He wishes him/her to serve. Defining “self” is not by what one does; but “defining self” is by “who one becomes.”

St John of the Cross says that in the same way as individuals grow in relationship with Jesus, it is the same with a Religious community. People will become committed to the Lord, through our lifestyles, by our prayerfulness, our community living, and through our services to others. In today's world, this is what people long to see.

The prayers of Profession then followed. Sister Joanne prostrated herself before the altar during the singing of the Litany of the Saints. Afterwards she professed her vows, in the presence again of Sr Antoinette Dickie and Srs Adriana and Petronilla. Sister Joanne then received the long veil and ring after which she was embraced by her Carmelite sisters.

Before the final blessing, Fr John Horan, OC shared some insights on St John of the Cross. In his “Ascent to Carmel ” St John describes his burning desire to know and love the Lord. The only way to reach that, is to be emptied of oneself, so as to be filled with God.

This is what we celebrate today on his feast. We know from John that God can take root, when inside of self, we “let-go” to the Lord what is not of God – assumptions, prejudices, etc – to become “empty”, so as to become “full of life”.

The Archbishop then handed over the microphone to Sr Joanne. She thanked God for a variety of human blessings she has received from persons with whom she has interacted.

She thanked especially her Sisters, family, friends, priests and well-wishers, for their service that has brought a variety of graces into her life.

The Sisters at the Lady Hochoy Home in Cocorite hosted the celebratory meal that followed the profession ceremony. In their lovely children's dining room, we met beautifully laid-out tables.

Abundant thanks go out to the hard-working Sisters there, for this loving end of the Final Profession of Sr Joanne Browne, OC.