PAD 8: Receiving the Cassock

 

Me as a Legionary novice, on the day I put on the cassock for the first time, 2005.

PAD Challenge, Day 8 prompt: write a major event poem. The major event could be something historical. Or it could be something personal (like a wedding or graduation).

Receiving the Cassock

On evening great of September Fourteenth,
After retreat in both silence and peace,
The moment for which we prepared had arrived:
We received the cassock of the Legion of Christ.

I reverenced the cassock when handed to me,
I was filled with great joy intermingled with peace.
I went to my bed, for the next day was eager,
For then I would don it for the first time ever.

That night I remember, slept barely a wink,
With longing much stronger than a child's Christmas Eve.
The morning lights went on, and quick as a flash,
Prepared and was ready for cassock and sash.

I went to the chapel then hurriedly,
Thanked God for that moment so excitedly.
God blessed me abundantly in those two years,
That time of great peace, but also some tears.

The novitiate on Our Lady of Sorrows began,
And out of the world to the good Lord I ran.
Because my own heart at first might have some sadness,
He gave me His Mother to help me find gladness.

Little did I know then how smitten I'd be
By beauty of Christ's Bride in Sacred Liturgy:
The seasons with their colors, incense, bells, and candlelight,
Would bring into my heart and soul both longing and delight.

Jesus in the Eucharist to my own self became
The fire which kindled my cold heart with flame;
His Heart within the Sacred Host was always my first care,
As daily adoration was my portion and my share.

But I gave in to scruples in that first year because
Offending God was my deepest horror and fear;
But soon I discovered that this idea was wrong
Because the Fear of God's simply respect we give as sons.

The fear of sin and fear of making any small mistakes
Lead me away from love to sinking in the stormy waves.
I had to learn to trust in my novitiate-director
As son, and by so doing, embraced God as my own Father.

And though I am not now a seminarian or priest,
I know Christ is in Peter's Barque on high and stormy seas.
I fell in love with Jesus through His one and holy Bride,
And I'll still let her lead me on and be my holy guide.