Non Novi's Countdown!

[Lilllabettt]

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[NonNovi]

Oh right, I have a thread here... I haven't contacted the master of novices yet. One of the scholastics is visiting us in Belgium (during the summer we're allowed to visit the houses of the congregation). He said it has no use to contact him now because he's gone for the rest of the month. If I'm lucky I'll get the paperwork in the first half of september. Apparently it's pretty common in the SJM that everything is arranged pretty last minute. Story of my life, I will fit right in ;)

 

In september, we are celebrating the 25 year jubilee of the SJM with a pilgrimage to Rome. I can come too. There are rumours about an audience with the pope, but nothing is confirmed yet. I did found out that a private audience already was arranged (and confirmed) with pope Benedict (and then he resigned, so suddenly the deal was off...).

 

About 5 weeks to go... I'm just letting it come, not doing anything in particular.

[TheresaThoma]

Paperwork will get done when paperwork gets done. You've got time, so enjoy it. 

 

That pilgrimage to Rome sounds AWESOME! And a potential audience with the Pope!!!!

[AnneLine]

:drool:  I am JEALOUS!!!!!  But happy for you, NonNovi... Rome is wonderful... and the possibility of an audience with the Pope!

 

If you get a chance... see if you can do a stop in Assisi.   I was blessed to have a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi and I have ALWAYS been grateful for my time in St. Francis' city.

 

Holding you in prayer!   How are your parents doing?  Any updates on that front?

[petitpèlerin]

So, it appears that I haven't logged in here since I left France or so and I am so excited to read this news!!! And entering on the feast of St Therese!! Haha!!

[NonNovi]

 And entering on the feast of St Therese!! Haha!!

 

Yeah, she knows what she is doing ;)

 

So, exactly 1 month to go...

 

There is still much tension with my parents. Especially with my father. My mother starts crying at random moments, but she's only concerned about my happiness and already said that when she sees my pictures from Austria, I fit right in with the priests and brothers. She terrified to death she'll never see me again. I tried to explain the SJM are rather open and very active community and that I won't be locked away or something. That I'll probably will be back in Belgium for a visit before they know it.

 

They both just don't get a thing about the religious life. I tried to explain them in several ways and dozens of times, but it didn't work. Last week they asked me of which money I'm going to live, how I'm going to buy stuff. I explained, again, that when you enter a community, the community pays and provides everything. And that made my father say (with a very negative undertone): "Oh, so you're just going to be a beggar then, living from other peoples money?"
 

Anyway, I feel very at ease. Those last 4 weeks will pass quickly I suppose. But I'm not really thinking too much about leaving and what and who I still should visit etc. Just some friends and relatives maybe. And the Carmelite Sisers! I have lived 14 years right next to a Carmel. On the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, I visited their chapel with 2 SJM (because it's an old Carmel, founded by Bl. Anna of Saint Bartholomew, secretary of Saint Therese of Avila!). There is also a relic of of Bl. Anna. The Sister that opened the door for us didn't recognise me. She was so surprised when I told her who I was and you should have seen here face when I told her I'm entering :) I definitely must say goodbye to them.

[AnneLine]

Non Novi, this is so exciting.   Please tell my Carmelite Sisters that they have a Secular Carmelite friend in the area near San Francisco, California USA who has been driving St. Therese crazy until she got you this favor!

 

And ask them to pray for me and my novices....

 

As far as your mom... it is already falling into place for her.  YOu watch.... it will work out AOK.

 

As far as your dad.... he needs an excuse to explain to him why such a gifted guy as yourself would 'throw his life away' -- because that is how he sees this.  Let St. Therese and our Lady work on him.  We'll keep praying for him... he is in trouble now.....

 

Are you going to be able to go on that pilgrimage?  And will you get to go to Assisi?   St. Therese visited there on her journey to Rome... and it is a very special place....

 

 

[TheresaThoma]

Non Novi I sympathize with you about trying to explain a religious vocation to parents. Often times the best and only way you can "tell" them about it is by living it out.

It is good though that you have peace through this whole situation, don't let that escape you!

[NonNovi]

3 weeks left... I'm starting to realise I don't have much time left. Next week I'll be 5 days in Rome, it has been confirmed.

 

I emailed the novice master and finally got my list! He was so sorry that he didn't mail it to me earlier. Here it is:

 

1. Clothing:

- dark pants

- dark sweaters

- dark socks, black is prefered

- shirts

- underwear

- handkerchiefs

- shoes

- shawl

- winterhat

- jacket

- coat

for the shoes: many wear black sandals when in the house, or normal closed black shoes in winter.

The rule is: bring everything you need, but not too much. We want to be poor!

 

2. Wash and shaving gear

 

3. Sports clothing, soccer shoes included (outside and indoor)

 

4. If possible: boyscoutuniform and material (backpack, sleeping bag, poncho, pocket knife,...)

 

5. Books:

- Bible

- Imitation of Christ

- Missal (forma extraordinaria -ordinaria)

What also can be brought: language books and dictionnaries that have been used until now.

More books than this aren't allowed in the room in the beginning.

 

6. Writing gear

 

7. No laptop, cell phone, mp3, etc.

 

8. Music instruments

 

9. Personal documents: drivers license, ID,etc.

 

 

And I also have to bring following documents:

 

- Birth certificate

- Baptism certificate

- Confirmation certificate

- Certificate of good behavior

- School report

- Certificate of unmarried status

- Testimonies of former superiors if possible

- Medical certificate

- Biography with picture

- A written request to join the congregation

 

 

I just hope I will find everyting in time. That's the only thing that is worrying me a bit. But I trust it will turn out fine.

[AnneLine]

Hey, NonNovi,

 

Just do the best you can... your novice master knows you got the list late!!!!

 

If you get stuck & can't find something, let us know... we may be able to help you locate it.

 

That's a pretty sensible list.  I do notice a total absence of aprons & sewing kits!!!!

 

No rosary?????  ;)

 

This is SOOOO exciting!  :pray:

 

 

[OnlySunshine]

Hey, NonNovi,

 

Just do the best you can... your novice master knows you got the list late!!!!

 

If you get stuck & can't find something, let us know... we may be able to help you locate it.

 

That's a pretty sensible list.  I do notice a total absence of aprons & sewing kits!!!!

 

No rosary?????  ;)

 

This is SOOOO exciting!  :pray:

 

Yeah, let us know if you need something.  I know you live in Europe and the list says "nun trunk", but perhaps this might help?

 

http://nuntrunk.weebly.com/

 

This is my website (my baby, really) and I love to do research.  ;)

[AnneLine]

Maybe we ought to call it God's Attic or something, Mater.... because it really should be useful for ANYONE trying to assemble stuff.  (And good to see you around!) 

 

I was going to suggest this if you were missing some stuff in the trunk, NonNovi... Mater did a great job assembling it, and I think there SHOULD be an area for the guy's valise or some such thing....

[OnlySunshine]

Maybe we ought to call it God's Attic or something, Mater.... because it really should be useful for ANYONE trying to assemble stuff.  (And good to see you around!) 

 

I was going to suggest this if you were missing some stuff in the trunk, NonNovi... Mater did a great job assembling it, and I think there SHOULD be an area for the guy's valise or some such thing....

 

Maybe when I'm not quite so busy, I'll expand the site.  I don't have time right now to look up a whole bunch of stuff, but if someone needs something for a list, I'll be more than happy to help!  ;)

[AnneLine]

Maybe you can ask NonNovi to help you with your Latin declensions in exchange for rooting through your attic.... ;) 

[OnlySunshine]

Maybe you can ask NonNovi to help you with your Latin declensions in exchange for rooting through your attic.... ;)

 

:hehe2:

 

I am having a lot of issues with the 1st and 2nd declensions (more the 2nd since we just learned it).  The vocabulary is really easy to learn but translating Latin with correct grammar...that's a trick.  To top it off, I have stomach cramps tonight from something I ate and I can't concentrate.  Fortunately, we do a review and I made flashcards so I'm hoping my short-term memory pays off.  ;)

Edited September 11, 2013 by MaterMisericordiae