ENTRANCE OF SISTER LOUISE PONCINI

SATURDAY AUGUST 8, 2009

On the Solemnity of our holy founder St. Dominic, we had a beautiful celebration with our Dominican Family.  The principal Mass celebrant was one of our young friars of the Western Province, Fr. John Thomas Mellein, O.P. along with our Chaplain Fr. Eugene Sousa, O.P., Fr. Carl Schlichte, O.P., and Sister Louise's brother Fr. John Poncini of the diocese of San Jose.  After the Eucharist, we had a chance to visit with the Dominican Laity, the Friars and Sister Louise's family who came to support her in her vocation.

Fr. John Thomas reminded us of the beautiful vision of St. Dominic: to praise, to bless, and to preach.  In addition to his life of holiness and zeal for the salvation of souls, St. Dominic was a genius in his creativity and his willingness to try something different that adapts to the needs of the specific place and time.  Fr. John Thomas encouraged us to do the same and to recommit ourselves to preaching the truth with joy and creatively; and to do all for the glory of God.

After the visit, we joyfully received Sister Louise into the cloister with a little ceremony in the parlor, and a procession into the nuns' choir where Sister received her rosary.  May she always remain faithful and grateful for the life of prayer and intercessory prayer that God has called her to live, in the midst of our holy Mother Church.

Father Dominic, fulfil what you promised at the hour of your death, and help us now by your prayers, as you once inspired us by your example and your preaching. ( Prayer by Fr. John Thomas, O.P.)

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