On June 12, Pentecost Sunday, Brother Sebastian professed his solemn vows, committing himself to live according to the gospel in the monastery under an abbot and in the company of his brothers at New Melleray Abbey until death. He has "left the world", and it is a curious thing to watch a man "disappear" in this very distinctive way. Sebastian's leave taking was witnessed by over one hundred people among whom were members of a charismatic prayer group he belonged to for years in Madison, Wisconsin. At the festive meal, after the Solemn Profession ceremony, one person after the other stood up and spoke of their reminiscences of Sebastian as a man living in the world. His brother and sister did the same. I don't believe anyone was able to finish their account without being interrupted by tears. Sebastian was beloved by these people who realized he would never again be available to them in the way he had been before, and yet were there, that day, to celebrate his decision. It is something like the mystery of the Ascension of Jesus into heaven. Jesus appears to the disciples after his death and they "cling" to him having had him restored to their company. But he disappears again—ascends into heaven, becoming once again invisible, and they "go forth rejoicing". What are they rejoicing about? It appears Jesus has been taken from them once again, and they are full of joy and confidence. There is only one explanation for this: Jesus has vanished into them; he has vanished into their hearts; into the very substance of their lives in a manner so intimate and secure that they know they need never worry about him being taken away from them ever again. Something about Sebastian's donation of his very self to God as a monk, makes him closer to the family and friends he loves; more deeply and securely established in their hearts, because he has been so securely established in God who is the source of love and life. This is the mystery I personally witnessed on Pentecost Sunday. Such is the paradox of a man "disappearing" into God.

Father Raphael