Happy Thanksgiving !

Thanksgiving Day is the time to remind one another of the many reasons to be grateful. As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks and rejoice in the Lord who has blessed each of us with so much and in so many ways. Also, I am reminded that the word thanksgiving is composed of two words “thanks” and “giving.” Through the Holiday of Thanksgiving we are reminded to give thanks, and to give.

Early this month, on November 1^st, the ICN “Inter Community Novitiate” gathered to celebrate “All Saints’ Day” in honor of all the saints, known and unknown. Ten days later, at the CDN, we celebrated the birthday of Sister Cathy, one of the co-directors. She shared with us that, at every celebration for each decade of her life, she took a moment to reflect on all the graces that she had received in the last decade.

Through our classes at Aquinas, the ICN, our panel discussions, and other social gatherings, I have been building intimacy in my relationship with God, and through encounters with others. These gatherings have allowed me to share special moments such as stories, meals or just having deep conversations. In our discussions, we always experience laughter, warmth and love.

Now, I pause for a few moments to take time to pray, reflect on my life and give thanks. I give thanks for the graces of God, for the gifts of my family, for the friends and for my loved ones.  Especially, I give thanks for my co-directors and co-novice at the CDN, the novices and novice directors at the ICN, and for those who have been a part of my life, sharing their faith and lives with me during this novitiate year. I am thankful to God and to all who have prayed and supported us these past months in various ways. 

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, please receive from the community at the CDN our gratitude and warmest wishes for a peaceful day. We hope that you have a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving.