Sister Bonnie MacLellan, CSJ, Pontifical Commissary
Valerie Kelly, Providence Associates Director
BY ANN BONIFERRO, DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL LITURGY & MUSIC
As is tradition, the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul and the Providence Associates gathered to renew their vows and commitments on September 15 in the context of Liturgy of the Hours – Evening Prayer.
The chapel was beautifully decorated for the Season of Creation, and a small sculpture of the Pieta was added to honor the feast of Mary, Mother of Compassion. The liturgy included a sung excerpt from the Gospel of John and a reading of Gather the Fragments by Ellen Rufft.
Sister Bonnie MacLellan CSJ, Pontifical Commissary, received the vows of the Sisters of Providence, and Valerie Kelly, Director of Providence Associates, led the Associates in the renewal of commitments.
Sr. Bonnie, Valerie, and Sr. Frances, presider, were all clearly heard, thanks to new digital microphones which were recently purchased for the chapel. The old wireless microphones had been in use for over 30 years and were presenting many problems. The new equipment – including 2 face microphones and 2 handheld microphones – was installed in late August. Batteries will no longer be needed as these are rechargeable. At the same time, the connecting antennae were moved from the choir room into the chapel. This will improve connectivity, particularly when presiders are near the font. We chose a location that would not distract from the beauty of the environment. Next time you are in the chapel, see if you can find the antennae.
