Profession

"What is profession of vows?" Sr. Cecilia Hiền's little guest asked wonderingly.
Dainty pink ruffles filled out 6-year-old Xuân's dress. About a hundred family and friends of Sr. Faustina Ánh Tuyết and Sr. Cecilia Hiền gather at St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield, Missouri for their profession of vows.

"This is a profession, although many out there would consider it to be a job!"
Although it has been over 8 years since I received my teaching degree, I can still hear Dr. Loncar's insistence.
"Who are the people daring to say it takes little skill and knowledge to manage 20-plus bodies, eight hours a day? Let them do the job!" she said steadily.

A profession is a line of work requiring academic or practical preparation.
A job is work.

"Profession is to tell the whole world what you think," I replied carefully, hoping the answer wouldn't be too abstract.
"You mean, Sr. Cecilia wants to tell me that she is happy being a sister?" Xuân asked.
"You got it ma'am!"
She grinned broadly.

Profession meaning "skilled work"originated in the early 15th century.
Profession meaning "public declaration" which led to "vows taken upon entering a religious order" originated in the 12th century.

As sisters, we profess vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.
What is your profession?

ps. Photo of Sr. Faustina receiving the gray veil as the sign of her profession.
ps2. Video of the First and Silver Vows - June 11, 2011.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJOSYSl-gmo&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

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