Sister Jeana Visel makes perpetual monastic vows

We sisters, along with family and friends of Sister Jeana Visel, gathered on October 2 to witness and celebrate her profession of perpetual monastic vows — a life commitment to the Benedictine way of life as a Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana.

After making her profession of monastic vows, Sister Jeana, witnessed by Sister Kristine Anne Harpenau, prioress, and Sister Ann Francis Hillenbrand, her formation director, signs the document on the altar, signifying her total offering of self.

As part of the “Rite of Monastic Profession,” Sister Jeana prostrates in the middle aisle while the sisters chant a litany of saints, asking the saints to intercede for her as she consecrates herself to the monastic way of life.

Sister Jeana receives a ring as a sign of unbroken fidelity to God and to her profession. The ring, worn by all perpetually professed sisters in the community, signifies full incorporation into the monastic community.