October 9, 2011
Moving Along
Having completed his six months postulancy recently our Br. Joseph today donned the white novice's habit and began his novitiate. The simple but meaningful ceremony took place at this morning's chapter meeting. It began with a hymn followed by opening remarks from Abbot John, scripture reading by Br. Joseph and continued with the morning's chapter talk. It concluded with the Abbot and Novice Master, Fr. Gerard, clothing Br. Joseph in his new habit, symbolic of putting on Christ. There were profuse congratulations all around as we now support our new novice while he spends the next two years preparing for this first profession of vows.
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Clothing with novice's habit |
Scripture reading by Br. Joseph |
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Fr. Gerard, Br. Joseph, Abbot John |
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Retreat Week
Beginning tomorrow we will begin our annual community retreat. Fr. Francis Martin, a scripture scholar, will be our director this year with an emphasis on St. John's gospel. While retreating there will be no Abbey News or Homilies updates.
Lectio Notebook |
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There is a wonderful harmony that exists between a person's true freedom and God's freedom. Those who are free (unfettered) give God the freedom to do what he wills. When you are free of all inhibitions and impediments, God is also free to fill you as he wills. What he has waited for so long can finally become reality. When all the threads that bind you to things are clipped, God can lead you to the goal at his own divine pace. Or, to use Saint John of the Cross' image: When all the windows and curtains are opened, the sunlight streams into the room of the heart and completely illuminates it. Light seeks to shine; fire seeks to give warmth. Our freedom gives God freedom. If, thanks to a person's freedom, God is free to do with him as he wills, surprising things happen all the time. Into Your Hands, Father |
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