Introducing Sr. Karol Ann

The 2-month close season (intense period of prayer and spiritual reading ending with a silent retreat) is over! Anna and the other postulants all discerned to go through Investiture today, August 10, 2014. 

Anna received the Franciscan habit, white veil, and the name Sr. M. Karol Ann.  Karol is from Karol Wojtyla, the given name of Pope St. John Paul II.  Anna actually saw Pope St. John Paul II while attending World Youth Day in Canada.  Ann is from St. Ann, mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Ann is also Anna’s mother’s (Gachia) middle name.  “M.” is for Mary and is included if Mary, Maria, etc. is not part of the name.  The "M." is only included when “formally” written. 

We spoke to Anna, er Sr. Karol Ann, this evening, and she is in good spirits.  She really enjoyed the week of silent retreat prior to Investiture.  Does she like her name?  It was the name she felt called to submit as her first choice, but she indicated it will take a while to get used to being called Karol Ann. 

Although Sr. Karol Ann is not able to reply to letters and cards, she does enjoy receiving updates and offers prayers for those who do write. 

Sr. Karol Ann Hoefer, St. Francis Convent, 1515 Dragoon Trail, PO Box 766, Mishawaka, IN 46546

Below is the last picture we have prior to Investiture – note her hair was cut even shorter at the Convent! 

Below are pictures we received after the Investiture. That new Sr. has a beautiful smile!!

In case you are wondering why religious sisters change their name, a new name signifies a new way of life. In the Catholic tradition as well as in other religious traditions, the taking of a new name is symbolic of entering into a new place in one’s life. In Scripture, there are many times when a person takes a new name. For example, Abram was given the name Abraham and Sarai the name Sarah when God called them to a new place in their relationship with God. Jesus called Simon to follow him and then gave him a new name of Cephas or Peter. Taking on a name is also common in Catholic sacramental tradition when a person is baptized or confirmed, symbolizing the new life they have entered into.

We will have the opportunity to visit Sr. Karol Ann in Mishawaka, likely in October.  We'll provide another update at that time.

Ray Hoefer