A Swahili proverb says Nyota nzuri huonekana asubuhi, which means a good day is visible in the morning. We
have come together as Dominican novices and are happy to bring with us our
lives, experiences, richness, talents and vulnerability. This was symbolized by
our profound opening ritual. We had our soil from our mother houses, we put it
in one common pot, and we planted some flowers in that pot. Could we all reflect
and consider the meaning and the value of soil in our cultures? We will
obviously discover that soil and people are bound to each other in many
ways. We brought that richness of our
individual soil, combining it to form a richer soil for our roots to grow
together.
Standing on this rich
soil, we are the young plants in that pot, and we need to be watered regularly.
The Congregational Formation Representatives (CFR) embodied our congregations in
that ritual. We are very much aware that our whole Dominican family is watering
these plants to keep them alive. We are very thankful for your support,
especially all the congregations participating in the Collaborative Dominican Novitiate:
Adrian, Amityville, Blauvelt, Caldwell, Grand Rapids, Hope, Houston, Mission San
Jose, Maryknoll, Oakford, Peace, Racine, San Rafael, Sinsinawa, Sparkill, Springfield,
and Tacoma.
As you might have seen in our
pictures, after one month, our life together has settled into a very nice
rhythm: classes at Aquinas, Inter-Congregational Novitiate, Reflection every
Friday, touching base with our directors every Thursday, visiting ministry sites,
taking turns with cooking and leading prayer, and time for fun too!!! We have
visited the famous
Gateway Arch and went up and down. We went to the Botanical Gardens and have
attended two Festivals so far. Not to forget our long trip to Kentucky where we
met with our Sisters of Peace, and we were very grateful for their warm
welcome. Never miss a visit to the Shaker Village while in Kentucky! There, you
will have an opportunity of shaking your body while singing in a Shaker style!!
Until next week, please remember to
pray for us as we keep you in our hearts always.
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