Photo: My new home. Note: these are not my running shoes.
I write to you now from the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Interprovincial Novitiate for the Congregation of Notre Dame de Montreal. Gosh! What a sentence! To catch you up - I had a 3-day prolonged 'goodbye for now' to PEI, overwhelmed by the love and support from family and friends, packed my boxes, drove 13 hours to White Plains, moved into the novitiate, welcomed family members to NY, officially entered as a novice, and a week later am settling into a routine. I will post later about the grace-filled entrance ceremony and the many changes that have happened in only a week, but was struck by beauty yesterday and need to share.
In this newest book, Sister Joan Chittister is writing about the 12 steps of humility, from the Rule of Saint Benedict. She’s setting forth the wisdom from a life well lived as Joan speaks candidly of her struggle to understand the “old” ways most of us were taught to obey, to be humble. She remains a true and loyal Dominican who has been led by the spirit to see a much broader view of “God’s Will” than she used to have. Sister Joan’s story is one of evolution – she is a life-long learner; she continues to recall and repeat the strong sayings and counsel of her wise mother, and she constantly processes the experiences – chosen or not – that have shaped her and continue to enrich her reflections.
Photo: Sister Connie, Joan Caldwell, resident, and Nadine Oliver, General Manager
After nearly six years of planning and encouraging, Sister Connie realizes the dream of the new Gazebo at Parkland Cape Breton as she participates in the ribbon cutting ceremony along with a long time resident of Parkland. This took place in the context of the family fun day and many of the residents and sisters took part and enjoyed a barbeque. The Gazebo is a beautiful and restful spot to be used in days to come. This was a fitting conclusion to Connie's involvement in the development of Parkland Cape Breton and her liaison with the Shannex Corporation. Thanks to Connie for all her work on our behalf.