This is the day I make my promises to God By Chepi DiCalogero Hopefully by now you have seen the invitation to the Clothing of Sister Josephine Malena (aka “Chepi”). Perhaps you have asked, “What is a Clothing and why at the Cathedral?” I have felt a tremendous pull all my life to live more fully into my baptismal vows and the life of a religious. It was not until I learned about a certain form of “religious community” (similar to a religious order) some ten years ago that I was able to begin to live into my vows and to respond to the wonderful love that God wants for me and for all of us. The Cathedral, where I am “canonically resident,” is my parish and my home. The Clothing is preferably performed with one’s congregation present, for you have been my support and my family, as Christ defined his mother, brother and sister. You have made this day possible. Anamchara Fellowship is a canonically recognized religious community within the Episcopal Church that is dedicated to the Holy Trinity. As a dispersed community, members live and work where they are called and encourage one another in living consecrated lives through a common ideal and rhythm of life. The mission of Anamchara Fellowship is to teach the faith of Christ, especially through teaching ministries, spiritual direction, and pastoral care. I will take the second step into my formation as a “religious” and become a novice on March 18. This is the day when I make my promises to God and put on the habit of the Anamchara Fellowship. I will also take a religious name, along with my given name. Malena is a loving Spanish form of Magdelena. I am Spanish on both sides of my family of origin and Chepi comes from “Chepa.” Symbols of the promises I will make as a novice help for living into this particular expression of the baptismal vows. Anamchara Fellowship follows the ancient practice of clothing the novice in the community’s habit. The habit is distinct from clerical vestments in that the habit may be worn in any ministry setting. The habit of a religious can serve as a reminder of the baptismal vows all Christians take. Photo: The habit placed on the altar waiting to be blessed. 1. Tunic (or Alb): white albs signify our life as baptized people. Through baptism, we die to the identity that the world seeks to give us and receive our true identity as children of God. The un-dyed tunic of Anamchara Fellowship is also a symbol of simplicity. 2. Veil or Hooded Tunic: the veil signifies consecration to the Lord. The hood, when it is drawn up over the head and restricts peripheral vision, becomes a monastic’s cell which is a place to withdraw for prayer. 3. Scapular: just as the stole has become the distinctive feature of a clergyperson’s liturgical vestment, the scapular is the distinctive feature of a religious habit. This long work apron is a sign of service and obedience – listening for God and responding accordingly. The forest green of Anamchara Fellowship’s scapular can remind us to think about how the new and divinized life begins at baptism. 4. Belt: from Isaiah 11:5, the belt or cincture signifies fidelity. As Christians, we are called to be faithful in imitation of God who is the Faithful One. Our participation in this character of God is another dimension of our divinization. 5. Triquetra: this ancient Celtic symbol for the Trinity is blessed to be a symbol of the novice’s commitment of faithful service to the Holy Trinity. Part of our baptismal vows include our affirmation of the Apostles’ Creed, in which we vow to continue trusting in our one God who is in three persons (and as such is mysterious Photo: Close-up of scapular & and beyond comprehension). belt that are the symbols of service and obedience to God 6. Staff: a sign of the ongoing journey that will not always be easy. We are a people on The Way, a pilgrim people. Some have asked, “Why not become a priest or deacon?” The two are not mutually exclusive. We have priests and deacons, but they, like the lay members, usually are addressed as “Sister” or “Brother” for we are all equal members. Our main task is prayer and as such we pray the Daily Office and end our day with Compline. You are our main concern. If you are wondering what to call me, that is your decision. My own Anamchara mentor, guide, and teacher started calling me “Sister Chepi” and that may well stick. See you on March 18. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Founded in the tradition of the Episcopal Church, with a Celtic spirit. Anamchara Fellowship has received canonical recognition by the House of Bishops’ Committee on the Religious Life. We strive to be an inclusive community, welcoming men and women, clergy and lay, married, single, or partners in a committed relationship. Members of the fellowship may live in their own homes or in groups as the ability for that arises…Our primary ministries focus on retreats and quiet days, pastoral care, intercessory prayer and spiritual direction. — anamcharafellowship.org: “Anamchara Fellowship is a New Expression of Monasticism” .