The Profession of Solemn Vows takes place in the presence of the Church.  “It is a true wedding with Christ in a renewed covenant of love” (Constitutions #23).  The years of formation leading up to this moment, should have prepared a Sister for this moment of grace and led her to freely offer herself to Christ and His Church through religious consecration for life.

“The Church, in Christ’s name, took possession one day of all your powers of living and loving. That was the day of your monastic Profession. Renew it often. And following the example of the saints, dedicate yourselves more and more, without seeking even to know how God uses your collaboration. You kindle in the world the fire of revealed truth and love…” (Pope St. John Paul II; Discourse to contemplatives in Lisieux, 2 June 1980).

The consecration of Solemn Profession of Vows is only the beginning of a life long quest for the perfection of charity and union with God, “for the glory of the Most Holy Trinity.” 

The vow formula for the Solemn Profession of Discalced Carmelite Nun is as follows:

“I, Sister N., desiring to live faithfully with the Blessed Virgin Mary a life of allegiance to Jesus Christ, with my sisters as witnesses into your hands, Mother, vow to Almighty God forever, chastity, poverty and obedience, according to the Rule and Constitutions of the Discalced Nuns of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel.  With my whole heart I give myself to this religious institute, restored by St. Teresa, to seek perfect charity in the service of our Mother the Church by the grace of the Holy Spirit and the help of the Mother of God, through constant prayer and evangelical self-denial, and to give eternal glory to the Most Holy Trinity.”