A Day of Joy in Knock: The Solemn Profession of Teresa Stokes, OFS

Knock Shrine, Apparition Chapel - Tuesday, October 6th On a quiet Tuesday morning in October, within the sacred stillness of the Apparition Chapel at Knock Shrine, Teresa Stokes from Finglass, Dublin made her Solemn Profession as a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. It was a simple, deeply moving ceremony, and fittingly Franciscan in its joy. Surrounded by family, friends, fellow Secular Franciscans, Fr. Michael Shiels, Finglass Parish, and Capuchin Franciscans Fr. Seán Kelly, main celebrant and Fr. Matthew Clerkin, Spiritual Assistant to the OFS in Knock. Teresa stood before God and professed to live for the rest of her life the Gospel way of life as observed and taught by St. Francis of Assisi. This is not a small commitment. It is a lifelong promise to live with simplicity, humility, and joy in the heart of the world. The Three Branches of One Family The Franciscan family, founded over 800 years ago by St. Francis, stands on three pillars: The First Order: The Friars. The Franciscan Friars Minor, who live a life of community, prayer, and service to the poor and the Church. The Second Order: The Poor Clares. Founded by St. Clare of Assisi, a contemplative order of sisters who live a cloistered life of prayer, holding the world in their hearts. The Third Order: The Secular Franciscans. Also known as the Third Order or OFS (Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis). This is an order of lay men and women — married and single, young and old — who feel called to live the Franciscan charism not by leaving the world, but by transforming it from within. Teresa now belongs fully to this Third Pillar. Secular Franciscans do not live in a monastery. As we often say, their kitchen is their monastery. Their workplace is their monastery. Their family home, their garden, their daily commute — these are their monasteries. They seek to bring the spirit of St. Francis — his love of creation, his peacemaking, his joyful simplicity, his devotion to the poor and to Christ — into everyday life. In her profession, Teresa promised to observe the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order, to live in a spirit of conversion, to be a peacemaker, to live simply, and to serve with love. To make such a profession in the Apparition Chapel in Knock is particularly profound. Where Our Lady, St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist, and the Lamb of God appeared in silent witness in 1879, Teresa made her own silent, powerful witness of faith. It was a beautiful place to say “yes” forever. We thank all her OFS brothers and sisters who accompanied Teresa to witness and share in her joy as she professed her “yes” to become a lifelong member of this noble Franciscan Order. We offer our heartfelt congratulations and prayers to Teresa. May God grant you joy, perseverance, and the peace that St. Francis so famously prayed for. Pax et Bonum! Feeling Called to Explore This Life? The Secular Franciscan Order is open to all practising Catholics who feel a draw to live a life of deeper simplicity, prayer, and joy in the spirit of St. Francis, while remaining in their own homes and workplaces. It begins with a period of inquiry and discernment — a time to learn, to pray, and to see if this way of life is for you. There is no pressure, only accompaniment. If you feel even a small spark of interest, please simply contact any Franciscan friar. He will be delighted to speak with you and explain how you can begin the journey towards becoming a Third Order Franciscan. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us.