The days of my canonical novitiate year are drawing to a
close—as of June 25, I will have spent a year and a day in the novitiate. In
anticipation of that milestone, my formation director gifted me with an empty
box to hold “A memory from your novitiate that you hope to always carry with you.”
When I thought back over all the past year has held—retreats,
liturgies, classes, assigned tasks, meals, celebrations, community meetings, desert
days, “vow camp” in Yankton—the most distinct memory is of the day I entered
the novitiate because of the many hugs, cards, and other expressions of support
I received from the community. I will never forget the encouragement and
support I received, and I will carry that with me as I continue my life as a
Benedictine.
It doesn’t take much time to offer encouragement to others,
but the effects can be remarkable. I am grateful for the example of how to be
supportive of others and hope to “pay it forward” in the years to come.
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