Clothing of novices in Cambridge

On Saturday 22 September, the English Province welcomed three new novices, who were clothed in the habit of the Order in a private ceremony in Blackfriars, Cambridge.

The postulants, before the ceremony, sitting behind their new habits.

Making the form of a Cross, the postulants implore God's mercy and that of the brethren.

The Prior Provincial then preaches a sermon addressed to the postulants, but also for the benefit of all the brothers witnessing the ceremony.

"Put off the old man that belongs to your former manner of life..." (Ephesians 4:22)
The removal of secular clothing (jacket and tie) is symbolic of one's removal from secular life.

"And put on the new man, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). The white habit of St Dominic is a constant reminder of the baptismal garment and a symbol of the new man in Christ whom we are called to be.

Finally, the postulant is clothed is the black cloak or 'cappa' of the Order. Although a practical garment to protect against dirt and cold, it may also be understood as a symbol of penitence.

The newly-clothed novices are then embraced by all the brethren and welcomed.

After the ceremony, the novices sign the book of Admissions which records the start of their novitiate.

Please pray for our new novices, Brothers Gregory, Graham and Mark.