September 10, 1982 Final Profession of Vows
On Friday, September 10, 1982, I professed vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience forever in the Congregation of Holy Cross. The evening celebration took place at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame. The following day on Saturday, September 11, 1982, I was ordained a deacon by Bishop Richard Hanifen from the Diocese of Colorado Springs, Colorado. That ceremony took place at Moreau Seminary on the campus of Notre Dame, in South Bend, Indiana.
A few months before I professed my final vows, I was standing at a party with a group of Sisters of the Holy Cross. Sister Katherine Reichert, CSC was very ill at the time with bone cancer. She stood on two crutches in the middle of all those religious women and we chatted about my decision to make final vows. She asked me, “Are you ready?” I said, “I am ready today. I worry about forty years from now. I do not want to be an old-fart priest. The last thing the Church needs is another old-fart priest.” Sister Kathy laughed and then she became very serious and said, ” Well, when the next forty years are not promised, it sure makes today seem all the brighter, doesn’t it?”
I remember with great fondness this story just before my final profession. I am grateful for the days and now the years. I ask your prayer for me and our religious community.
BIshop Hannifen, Rosemary and John Raab
Broken But Not Divided 
You’re definitely not an old-fart priest! 🙂 Congrats on your 30 years!!
I remember well the events you describe, Ron, as I was present for both. Also, I’m grateful for the several years we then spent together at St. Joseph Parish…
May Christ continue to bless you and your ministry!!!
Congratulations and thank you for your ministry to the broken.
Reblogged this on Broken But Not Divided and commented:
I am so grateful for my 32 anniversary of final profession in the Congregation of Holy Cross. Tomorrow is also the anniversary of my ordination as deacon with Bishop Hanifen, retired bishop of Colorado Springs. I stand in great humility with my classmates, John and Rich this day.
With radical gratitude for you, and all you have given and continue to give. Abundant blessings.
Ron, congratulations! I join you in prayer today, thanking God for you and your ministry in Holy Cross! Thank you for your years of friendship and support. Today I sang “Blest Are They” at the 12:10 Cathedral liturgy, and “Blest Are We” indeed to have you, Ron!