|
|
The Solemn Profession of
Br. Kevin Coffey, OSB
13 August 2004
|
|
|
|
Bro. Kevin Coffey, OSB, made his profession of Solemn vows as a Benedictine monk before Abbot Dismas Kalcic, OSB, and the monks of St. Procopius Abbey, August 13.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In a posture of humility and abandonment, Bro. Kevin lies prostrate before the altar while the Church on earth invokes the Church in heaven during the singing of the Litany of the Saints. The
funeral pall and Paschal candle, symbols taken from the Burial Rite, emphasize the death/resurrection theme which has been a traditional hallmark of monastic profession.
|
|
|
|
|
In the presence of all, Bro. Kevin publicly professes his vows from a document written in his own hand. This document is then signed on the oblation side of the altar and left there throughout the
liturgy to unite the sacrifice of the monk’s life with Jesus’ own sacrifice on the altar of the cross.
|
|
|
Bro. Kevin, now newly professed, is clothed in the cuculla. The festive choir garment is given at solemn profession as the sign of Robert’s place in the community. It will be worn at major
liturgical events until it clothes his body on the day of burial.
|
|
|
Bro. Kevin is from Baltimore, MD.
He is the second oldest of four.
|
|
Having now completed the initial formation of the monastic life (i.e., postulancy, novitiate and juniorate), Bro. Kevin, and completed his undergraduate work in fine arts, he will continue his study of
art working toward a teaching certificate and masters degree, before teaching in the Abbey schools.
|
|
|
|
|
|
