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Simple Profession
After a candidate to the monastic life completes a period of postulancy and then a full year of novitiate, he makes a first profession of vows, sometimes called temporary or simple vows. He thus becomes a junior monk, a professed member of the community included in its official list. During the period of juniorate, the new monk is given responsibilities in the community comparable to those of full members, and will also continue his education as appropriate.
Juniorate lasts for a minimum period of three years, and then the monk may apply for solemn (or permanent) vows. Solemn profession joins a person to a community for the rest of his life. A solemnly-professed monk is also a member of the monastic chapter and is thus involved in making decisions of major importance to the community.
Solemn Profession
Br. Kevin Coffey, O.S.B., made his profession of Solemn vows as a Benedictine monk before Abbot Dismas Kalcic, O.S.B., and the monks of St. Procopius Abbey on August 13, 2004.
In a posture of humility and abandonment, Br. Kevin lies prostrate before the altar while the Church on earth invokes the Church in heaven during the singing of the Litany of the Saints. The funeral pall and Paschal candle, symbols taken from the Burial Rite, emphasize the death/resurrection theme which has been a traditional hallmark of monastic profession.
In the presence of all, Br. Kevin publicly professes his vows from a document written in his own hand. This document is then signed on the oblation side of the altar and left there throughout the liturgy to unite the sacrifice of the monk’s life with Jesus’ own sacrifice on the altar of the cross.
Br. Kevin, now newly professed, is clothed in the cuculla. The festive choir garment is given at solemn profession as the sign of Kevin’s place in the community. It will be worn at major liturgical events until it clothes his body on the day of burial.
Br. Kevin is from Baltimore, MD. He is the second oldest of four.
Having now completed the initial formation of the monastic life (i.e., postulancy, novitiate and juniorate), Br. Kevin, and completed his undergraduate work in fine arts, he will continue his study of art working toward a teaching certificate and masters degree, before teaching in the Abbey schools. A sampling of Br. Kevin’s art portfolio can be found at The Pallet in the Publications/Resources section of our website.
Br. Kevin, having completed his MFA at The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, is currently teaching art at Benet Academy.
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