Marked by the beauty of Gregorian Chant, the unique double ceremony took place Tuesday, September 15, the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, in the sun-filled Church of Jesu Fili Mariae on the grounds of the Abbey of Regina Laudis.

While the origins of monastic consecration date to the second century, the liturgy for last week's ceremony was created especially for Sister Emmanuelle, and included a reading by her grown son, Daniel.

A native of Maine, Sister Emmanuelle received a degree in anthropology at Harvard, then traveled to Poland, teaching English for five years at Warsaw University.

Following a brief marriage and the birth of her son, she returned to the U.S. and earned a law degree at the University of Maine, focusing on the areas of child protection and child welfare law. She later opened a private practice as a land use lawyer.

Sister Emmanuelle's first contact with the Abbey of Regina Laudis came in 1976, a connection that intensified over the years as she became involved with various lay affiliates.

Her growing relationship with the Abbey led her to earn a master's degree in philosophic theology at Holy Apostles Seminary.

In 1996, she entered the Abbey as a postulate, bringing her professional experience into her life as a Benedictine nun.

She serves as a member of the Advisory Board of Directors of the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition and administers environmental grants for the Abbey's farm operation.

She also works in the guest secretary's office, the dairy and the video department of the Abbey.

"All this," said the Archbishop in his homily, "has been done to the beat of the rhythm of prayer."

Conducted almost entirely in Latin, the two-and-a-half hour ceremony began with the ringing of bells and an outdoor procession, during which Sister Emmanuelle, the "professura," knelt in the garden to receive the Archbishop's blessing.

The ritual Mass for Perpetual Profession and Monastic Consecration followed, celebrated by Rev. Mansell and five additional priests.

Rev. Mansell called it a "special blessing and a privilege" for all who attended the ceremony in the "beautiful atmosphere of Regina Laudis Monastery."

The Church of Jesu Fili Mariae is a two-story pine structure with exposed rafters; clear windows draw in sunlight from all around. A leafy mobile designed by Mother Praxedes of the Abbey and installed in 2003 hangs in the soaring space.

In his homily, Rev. Mansell called attention to the "beauty and strength and tranquility of Gregorian Chant," the rhythm of which "reflects the heartbeat of each woman here."

Addressing Sister Emmanuelle, he said that the voice of an individual woman may be beautiful, but when it comes together with others, there is all the more meaning.

"When you hear the beat, the tempo, the rhythm of chant," he said, "think of it as hearts beating in response to God's love."

In the Perpetual Profession portion of the service, Sister Emmanuelle relinquished her white veil and received the black garments of the Benedictine order.

After she received the ring, crown and breviary of Monastic Consecration, "Mother Emmanuelle," as she would henceforth be known, was welcomed into the enclosure by Mother Abbess, Mother Prioress, Mother Subprioress and the community of 37 nuns.

A reception followed, which included a grand feast of Mother Emmanuelle's own choosing: Chicken Balthazar, rice pilaf, green beans almondine from the Abbey gardens and crusty bread with butter she made herself.

The double ceremony and reception were joyous occasions, attended by the entire Abbey community, a host of visiting Religious and Mother Emmanuelle's family and friends.

Nancy Stein, who helped make the monastic crown, was one of the first to address her longtime friend by her new name.

"Mother Emmanuelle has been planning this day since the day I met her," she laughed.

"It's very bridal, what with the crown and the ring," acknowledged Mother Noella, who welcomed everyone to the reception.

According to Mother Noella, the prayers said during the Monastic Consecration are ancient, but due to the fact that the "consecrata" had been married and gave birth to a son, much of the ceremony was brand new.

"Most of us here received Consecration to a Life of Virginity," she explained. "Two years ago, we had a Ceremony of Monastic Consecration blessed by the Archbishop for five women who had been married.

"The church asked us to find a different way to impart the blessing to those nuns, and we were pleased to create the liturgy."

Unlike the five women before her, Sister Emmanuelle had not yet made her final vows. Last week's ceremonies marked the first time the Abbey had conducted a Profession of Perpetual Vows concurrent with Monastic Consecration.

"By Canon law," said Mother Noella, "Consecration to a Life of Virginity is not given to a married woman. But understanding the lives of these women, and their dedication, we found a way for them to receive the blessing of consecration.

"For us," she said, "it's important to recognize these women for everything they've been through in their lives. There are no apologies."