It is a great gift and joy to be in the monastery and these years of formation are extra special.
Part of the process of becoming a full-fledged PCPA nun is the canonical year.
This second year of the novitiate is also the final year of preparation for first profession. And while it could be described in terms of sacrifice (giving up communication with family and friends), it is also a year of profound growth in love – both giving and receiving.
The experience of greater enclosure is giving me the opportunity to lean more and more on the Beloved.
In my attempts to focus on the “one thing necessary,” I am learning how to keep my “eyes fixed on the Lord our God until He show us His mercy” (Ps 123) as we pray each day in the Divine Office.
And by remaining attentive to Him, imitating our Lady, the handmaid of the Lord,
I have found myself growing in peace, joy, and freedom of heart
so that (please God!) at the end of this year I may give myself entirely to Him.
Of course, growth in love happens in many areas and in His providence God has given me (and given me to) and amazing community of sisters.
For these last several months I have been blessed to be able to serve my sisters in the refectory.
With its combination of quiet routine and daily challenges, it’s a job I have enjoyed very much.
Much of my work time is spent cleaning, setting the table, and making sure that the butter has not gone bad.
But one of my favorite things to do is setting a special place for a sister celebrating a feast day or anniversary. I love making it special for each sister, though it’s sometimes a challenge to figure out what a sister’s favorite colors are.
After all, you can’t tell by what she wears!
While it is a gift to serve my sisters, it is also so beautiful to let them love me in their own ways.
Their loving and prayerful support has been invaluable. And being surrounded by women who love the Lord so much is a great encouragement and example of living a life truly given to the Lord.
I am so grateful for this grace-filled year, all of my sisters, and especially for the novices with me on this journey to profession and ultimately to the wedding feast of the Lamb.
