By Malin Jordan

Sister Mary Donne Davidson, OSC, made her first profession of vows in the Order of St. Clare, or Poor Clares, during Mass April 26 at St. Clare’s Monastery in Mission.

Also called temporary vows, the newly professed religious sister will continue with her formation program as she prepares for her Solemn Profession in three years.

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, offered the Mass. In his homily he called the profession a joyful occasion for the Archdiocese of Vancouver as well as for the Poor Clare sisters of St. Clare’s Monastery.

“I wish to express my thanks,” the archbishop said, “for the great gift the Lord has given us by placing you in our heart.” He called Sister Donne’s life “a reference point for all the baptized” and he noted that she raised “minds and hearts to the Lord” throughout the archdiocese.

Present with the archbishop and her religious sisters as Sister Donne pronounced her temporary vows were several priests, family, and friends.

Sister Claire Marie Blondin, OSC, in a written piece she sent to The B.C. Catholic, said her entire monastery was sharing in the pride of their newly professed sister.

“Her voice was clear as she made her commitment to our risen Lord,” wrote Sister Claire.

During the Rite of Temporary Profession, Sister Donne proclaimed, “I promise and vow to Almighty God, and into your hands, Sister Mary Joanne, for three years to live in chastity, without anything of my own, in obedience and in enclosure according to the Rule of the Poor Sisters of St. Clare.”

Archbishop Miller noted that a profession involves great devotion. “By dedicating (yourself) to the contemplative life in profound spousal union with Christ, you witness to the profound truth that we are to prefer nothing to the love of Christ.”

He also talked about the need for vocations to religious life in a modern society that has lost sight of the “one thing necessary.”

“The world today seems to allow increasingly little room for a sustained contemplative life,” he began. “While it favours retreats of brief duration, the noise and complications of a technologized society, the lure of materialism, individual freedom without responsibility, and pan-sexuality all threaten to marginalize or suffocate the Church’s upholding of the wonder, beauty, and need for the contemplative and atoning life of the cloister.”

Angel Jose, in discernment with the Poor Clares since last year, said the beauty of the ceremony overwhelmed her. “The visible radiance and joy seen in (Sister Donne’s) whole being reminded me of a mirror completely reflecting God’s glory, humility, and love.”

Jose, who also took pictures for the event, added, “This reflection shines out from each of the sisters as a light for all, showing everyone the way and drawing everyone closer to the True Light.”

She noted all the sisters are an inspiration. “In their holy poverty, chastity, obedience, and enclosure, they show us how complete and joyful abandonment to God fulfils all our hopes and desires.”

Sister Claire noted that many people from Sister Donne’s previous life had come to show their support. Present were her parents Prudence and Gregory, her brother Bradley and his girlfriend Alison, CWL members, and three people from Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School: the principal, the religious education teacher, and Sister Donne’s former basketball coach.

“Our community rejoices, our archdiocesan family rejoices, and the whole Church rejoices,” wrote Sister Claire. “We see this joy on the lovely face of our Sister Mary Donne.”

Now she is professed, Sister Donne will continue with her formation program, studying Scripture, liturgy, prayer, spirituality, religious life, vows, and the Church, as she prepares for her solemn profession in three years.

Sister Donne grew up in South Africa and immigrated to Canada with her family, settling in Maple Ridge. In 1997 she made her first contact with the Poor Clares, and 10 years later she joined the community. She began her novitiate in 2008.

“She has given up the white bridal veil of a novice and taken a black one, signifying her consecration to the Lord,” Sister Claire added. “She will be integrated gradually into her new responsibilities with the support of all her sisters.”