Profession


For Profession (as a member of the Third Order)

Before you, great High Priest, I stand
to make my true Profession.
I place my all in your strong hand;
my life as intercession.

You call me, Jesus, to your Way,
to walk with dedication.
You are my guidance and my stay
in every situation.

You teach me, Master, how to live
with joy in generous giving;
to help the needy and to give
our love and be forgiving.

We praise you that wise Francis now
may be our holy teacher.
His teachings and his actions show
a better way to meet you.

Now here we stand with honest heart
and mind to love you dearly.
Now bless the offering on our part
and live with me more nearly.

Ted Witham 2011

Metre: 87 87 Iambic

Dominus Regit Me TiS 145

St Columba TiS 523

Companions in Christ: St Francis and St Antony of Padua

The we and our in the final verse can be replaced by I and me if there is only one to be Professed.

The beauty of Saint Clare of Assisi


Gifted with the true Light,
beauty is Clare’s life:
duty and delight to
mirror all God’s love.

Beauty in her dear soul —
deep serenity;
Poverty of life told
riches of God’s love.

Beauty with her Sisters,
Clare’s compassion,
passion to insist a
path for all to love.

Beauty in our planet,
Clare loved living things.
Sings so strongly. Fan it!
Worship God with love.

Beauty in her praying,
Clare holds up the Host,
Boasts in all of staying
with Him who died Love.

Following Saint Francis,
Clare marks out a way:
Pay your love to Jesus —
God surrounds with love.

Metre: 6565D Camberwell, “Puff the Magic Dragon”

Or 6565 Caswall

Ted Witham, The Feast of St Clare 2011

St Clare and her sisters