Solitude is not something you must hope for in the future.

Rather, it is a deepening of the present,

and unless you look for it in the present

you will never find it.

Thomas Merton

So, it's been a little while since my last post. I hadn't even realized how quickly the time passes. I've been back in San Antonio now for a little over 2 weeks. In many ways, life has slowed down A LOT. And yet, in so many other ways, it hasn't slowed down at all!

As you might recall, my time here is specifically for "vow preparation." Some people may wonder what exactly that means. Well... it means that I spend a lot of time reflecting and praying about the commitment I will make in a little over 6 weeks... I have class with Sr. Gretchen (and sometimes other sisters) 3 times a week and reading that accompanies the classes. The reading comes from Church documents, our Sisters' documents/writings, the writings of Marianist brothers/priests and our Rule of Life. And I spend a lot of time just "me and God."

This is quite a different pace than life was in Dayton! However, I am finding this time to be good. I have time to really delve deeply into the inner life... all that God has done in, through, and around me... and the life which I will enter more completely with the profession of vows.

So, I suppose I should say that my "outer life" has slowed down to a considerable crawl... while my inner life is "jumping." :) God's been busy in my life... not that I'm surprised, but I do find it difficult to put it all into words as of right now. Can you imagine, me at a loss for words?? Miracles never cease...

Perhaps that's why I haven't posted lately. Today, though, I decided that I should at least let you know that I'm alive and well... and reflecting on the great mystery of God's infinite love and the call for me to follow in this way. It's a little overwhelming to phrase it that way, but that's where I am!

Many blessings to all who read this!
Sr. N

If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is "thank you," 

it will be enough.

Meister Eckhart

Greetings from San Antonio!

I'm back in Texas to begin my preparations for vows. I'll officially begin next week, however, as I have meetings this weekend for Marianist LIFE.

As I was leaving Dayton yesterday morning... and reflecting on my nearly 11 months of being a novice there... I began to truly reflect upon all the lessons learned, the graces given, the growth through challenges that occurred as a result of being there. There's a lot to process! However, I know one thing for sure. I am grateful!

Although I am returning to Dayton in August to do ministry as a temporary professed, I realized on Tuesday that many things will be different for me upon my return. So, Tuesday evening I was able to bring some closure to my time there. How?? Through prayer and celebration, of course!

Our community celebrates Eucharist together once a week - Tuesday evenings. This Tuesday we invited over the 5 SM novices (the 2 second year novices returned to the novitiate to begin their preparations for vows), the SM novice director (who is my spiritual director), the SM assistant novice director and 2 young women who are discerning religious life. So, we had a beautiful Eucharist followed by a wonderful and festive meal! We had a great time and I was able to thank them for their support throughout my time there. Pictured above are the 7 Marianist novices for 2007-2008. 

Wednesday morning, as I was preparing to leave the house for the airport, the doorbell rang. No one was expecting visitors so I was a little surprised. Then, in walked a few members of the Embers Community - the Lay Marianist group of students with whom I have worked during my time in Dayton. They walked over, in the rain, just to say good-bye. By the time I return, they will have graduated and moved on to volunteer opportunities or graduate school. I will miss working with them a great deal!

There is much more I could say. And as I reflect more upon my time in Dayton, I am certain that I'll have much to share. But for now, I have to be going.

Easter Blessings on all who read this!

Sr. N