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CONTENTS |
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THE PROFESSION OF FRA JAMES MICHAEL V. STROEBEL AS A KNIGHT OF JUSTICE IN SOLEMN VOWS
Cathedral of St Matthew, Washington, DC, December 2nd, 1999
The first act of obedience: Frà James Michael returns the Missal to H.M.Em.H. (at right, H.E. Marquess Chiavari)
[GM] "As your second act of obedience and as your chief obligation, by virtue of your devotion, you shall recite daily the liturgy of the hours, or the Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the Office of the Dead, or five decades of the Holy Rosary."
PRESENTATION OF THE HABIT
Frà John holds the Habit up, displaying it for the Grand Master, who then takes hold of part of it, showing it to Frà James-Michael.
[GM] "This is our Habit in the form of the garment of camel hair which our patron, Saint John the Baptist, wore in the desert for his severe penance. You shall, therefore, strive to wear it as a penance for your sins, bearing in mind that from this time until the end of your life you must follow the virtues. The sleeves of the Habit are not only to bind your arms but to remind you of your true obedience to our Holy Order of Religion and to urge you to the defense of the poor and the sick. Remember this often!"
The Grand Master shows Frà James Michael the cross displayed on the Habit.
[GM] "This is the sign of the true Cross. We commend it to you. Wear it always on your left side, over your heart, so you may defend it with your right hand. Always keep in your heart its shape of eight points which stand for the Beatitudes. We seek to observe the beatitudes through our endeavors and the grace of God."
Frà James-Michael stands and is clothed with the habit. He then kneels again.
PRESENTATION OF THE STOLE
Frà John, holding up the Stole, then places into the hands of the Grand Master, one by one, the mysteries of the passion depicted on the Stole.
Frà James Michael receives the Stole
[GM] "We show you this Stole to remind you of the bitter passions of our Lord Jesus Christ who suffered on the Cross for us. Remember often the Cords with which our Lord was bound. These were the Whips with which he was scourged. This was the Pillar at which he was bound and fiercely scourged. These were the Dice. Finally this was the Cross on which our Lord Jesus Christ suffered for our sins. Let these be your travelers guide and standard in all your endeavors throughout your life."
The Grand Master places the Stole on the neck of Frà James Michael.
[GM] "This is your yoke and, in the words of our Redeemer, it is sweet and light. May it lead you to eternal life. bear it with the patience and charity expected of you as a true Brother of Religion and an honored Knight. May our Lord grant you this grace in this world and give you the reward of eternal glory in the next."