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
1 comment:
I've been trying to post a reply for a couple of days but have been having some tech challenges.
This is a really powerful reflection. Thank you for sharing it. You have such a depth of awareness not only about your journey thus far but also about the journey yet to come. It is a real GIFT!!
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