The ritual dates back to the early church and its main elements are much as they were described by St. Benedict in the sixth century. One change has been in the laying of hands by the monastic community. Benedict describes the new monk prostrating at the feet of each member of the monastery for a blessing. Many modern communities have adapted this to take place in other ways and not as part of the Mass on the day of profession. At Mount St. Scholastica, there is a private ceremony the night before the public profession. At vespers, the one making profession kneels in the center aisle and each sister lays her hands upon her in blessing.