and since i am on christmas break, i will be on phatmass for a little bit, just to share some experiences and answer some questions.

For those who do not know, i am Mark Menegatti, Augustinian Friar, located in Wisconsin as a novice. I am still here for the Christmas season. People ask me if i am going home for the holidays and i assure them (and myself) that i am home.

They say that home is where the heart is, well my heart is in Jesus' heart, and Jesus' heart is not limited to my birthplace.

so anyways, hello and merry christmas.

SHALOM

Hello, its nice to see again, how are things going for you in the noviciate? Your in my prayers!

Brother Mark, God bless you and welcome back! It is nice to 'see' you on here. Grazie for the card. . .I sent yours out (late, mea culpa!). It's so nice to know that you are where our Lord wants you. I continue to pray for you!

Pax Christi,

Denise

wow! Merry Christmas to you Your last paragraph is beautiful and very true!

double thank you

I actually greatly appreciated the st. rita stationary lol! You are going on my christmas card list for sure Denise!

I feel like i made a major milestone, i made novitiate all the way to christmas! and it was rather delightful.

There has been a lot of time for real prayer.

I did have some grief over various things that were happening to me in my novitiate year. A lot of people were terribly shaken up by my vocation, as they made the transition of my vocation. I am seeing how that is supposed to happen, before i just thought i wasnt loving or inviting enough.

And strange most of all, i am beginning to see, how some of the things i was afraid of most in myself, are going to end up bringing God the most glory.

Anyways, hope that may be an encouragement. Religious life can be a real battle within, but exciting when you stay the course.

SHALOM
Bro. Mark Menegatti