Sr. Marie Therese of the Child Jesus (Madeline Hayes) was Clothed in the Habit of Carmel on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8th. After completing her year of postulancy, she now begins her Novitiate as a Carmelite Novice. The Clothing/Investiture Ceremony was celebrated privately at the Carmelite Monastery. Keeping to the traditional custom, the bridal dress is worn as the community led the procession to their Choir/private chapel within the cloister. As they processed, the Sisters sang an ancient hymn to Our Lady: “O Queen of all the Virgin Choirs”. The Rite of Admission to Religious Life (commonly known as the Clothing Ceremony) took place within Lauds of the Solemnly Chanted Office of the Immaculate Conception. After the Call, Madeline responded: “I ask to be admitted to this community of Mary, Mother of Grace, to experience your way of life, to follow Christ more perfectly, dedicating myself completely to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel.” In receiving the Habit of Carmel and her new religious name, Sr. Marie Therese commences her life as a Carmelite Nun and her Novitiate years of preparation for First Profession of Vows. The Carmelite Nuns joyfully celebrated this day in thanksgiving for the gift of Sr. Marie Therese’s vocation. Our Carmelite Aspirant, Lily Hayes (Sr. Marie Therese and Emily’s younger sister) joined us for this special occasion. It is a special grace to have three Carmelite vocations from the same family. Now they are sisters in the spirit, with Sr. Marie Therese leading the way. Please pray for them and for many more young women to respond their fiat to a religious vocation!