September 2, 2009

Dominican friars profess vows

Two men lie prostrate with arms outstretched in the sanctuary of St. Dominic Church in northwest Denver.  Incense rises in the air carrying the prayers of the faithful. The provincial of the Province St. Albert the Great of the Order of Preachers, flanked by the master of novices and the prior of St. Dominic Priory, asks, “What do you seek?” 

A year ago Brother Raymond Bryce and Brother Albert Haugen were asked the same question when they were admitted into the Dominican Novitiate that is part of St. Dominic Parish.  Two voices resound, “God’s mercy and yours.” 

Brother Raymond, after proudly serving nine years, left a career as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force.  Brother Albert completed his PhD. studies in philosophy from the University of Missouri-Columbia.  On Sunday evening, Aug. 9 at Solemn Vespers, they professed a vow of obedience, promising to place their lives in God’s providence through the Dominican Order and to live a life of celibate chastity and poverty.

Brother Raymond and Brother Albert have completed the novitiate under the direction of their novice master Dominican Father Louis Morrone.  They are now incorporated into the Order of Preachers—commonly known as the Dominicans. 

The novitiate is a canonical year of discernment, a time to study and experience the religious life—a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience— a year of studying Dominican history and spirituality, a year to grow and prosper as a human being and grow in faith, and most important a year of prayer with the friars and with God. 

The newly professed brothers received their first formal assignment at their profession and have been assigned to St. Dominic Priory in St. Louis, Mo., and will begin studies at Aquinas Institute of Theology.  They will continue their formation for the next six years. 

“Please pray for these brothers, for all young men and women in formation, and for all discerning religious life,” urged Father Morrone.

 The Dominicans have staffed St. Dominic Church, located at 29th Avenue and Federal Boulevard in northwest Denver, since 1889.  For more information on the Dominicans and religious life, contact Father Morrone at 303-477-4219 or online at: www.domcentral.org.