A few days ago, we postulants came back from our home visit. It was the last time we were home before our investiture. To prepare for reception of the habit and veil, we had to come back with short hair. Being the only three people with do-able hair in the convent, our styles attract a lot of attention, so this is big news.
The haircut is a visible, practical change, but it is also a sign of our inner transformation. I’ve been reading about the life of Saint Clare of Assisi, who lived in the 1200’s. In that time, a woman’s hair was her honor and glory, the height of her beauty and an indication of her status. On the day of St. Clare’s investiture, she came to St. Francis dressed as a radiant bride. As she pledged herself to God, St. Francis cut her hair to above her ears. In our modern day, this does not seem so bad, as short hair is in style for women. But for St. Clare, this haircut was a clear sign that she was leaving all earthly pleasures behind for love of God. Though she was now worthless and ugly in the eyes of the world, she had become the bride of Christ our Lord, and she shone with the beauty of her consecration.
For me, this haircut is only one small step in my journey of religious life, but I pray that it may be a daily physical reminder of God’s call to be His Bride. My investiture day, when I will receive my habit and new name and become officially engaged to Jesus, is quickly approaching (August 1!!). I have been imagining and preparing for this day for months. I pray that my heart – manifested by my hair – will be ready to give everything for love of Him Who first loved me and to receive all that God has in store.
~ Written by Miss Emily