Spem in alium Posted January 25, 2017 Author Posted January 25, 2017 My home visit is going excellently and I'm praying for you all. Of course, I am different and my family is different so there are some changes, but I am happy to be back with them. The day before I left for my vacation my provincial came to visit me specifically to check if I was OK following the death of our sister. It absolutely blew me away to be cared for like that. And please do pray: I've exhausted almost every possible avenue to contact a very close friend of mine (short of calling her parents). I'm hoping to organise some time to visit her during the time I am with my family, as I most likely won't see her and will have very little contact with her for several years. Please pray we can connect.
Spem in alium Posted February 1, 2017 Author Posted February 1, 2017 Thank you for praying about the situation with my friend! She contacted me yesterday. Unfortunately we can't meet in person, which does make me a little sad, but I'm holding her in my heart and prayer. I have only a few days left with my family. Everything's very bittersweet. I'm looking forward to being home with my sisters, but saying goodbye to my family indefinitely will be very hard. Something that really gives me reassurance is the message of last Saturday's gospel - the disciples take Jesus as he is into the boat, and marvel at how something which seems so uncontrollable can yield to the control of this man who is their friend and teacher, who's just been sound asleep in the middle of a storm! I've been reflecting a lot on the thought that Jesus invites me to take him as he is, while he takes me in the same way with all my weaknesses. And very comforting is the reflection that Jesus can calm even the most turbulent areas of life, the parts which seem so difficult. He will help me through the storm that is separating myself even more from my family and friends. I think of Mary also, and how she coped with Jesus leaving Nazareth and ultimately going to his death. I pray she and St Joseph will be with my family.
Spem in alium Posted February 2, 2017 Author Posted February 2, 2017 Dear friends, I have just been informed that I will formally be accepted for the next stage of my formation on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Feb 11. God's grace is overflowing in my life. Please pray for my sisters, my family and for me.
FrauMolly Posted February 2, 2017 Posted February 2, 2017 Congratulation, Spem! I am following you journey with a lot of admiration and joy. Thank you!
NadaTeTurbe Posted February 2, 2017 Posted February 2, 2017 6 hours ago, Spem in alium said: Dear friends, I have just been informed that I will formally be accepted for the next stage of my formation on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Feb 11. God's grace is overflowing in my life. Please pray for my sisters, my family and for me. That's amazing ! I'll be in Lourdes the 11th and the 18th of february, and be sure I'll pray for you !
Pax17 Posted February 2, 2017 Posted February 2, 2017 Congratulations, Spem...so nice to wake up and read your good news.
Spem in alium Posted February 2, 2017 Author Posted February 2, 2017 Thank you all so much. I actually had a strong feeling that I would hear some news on the Feast of the Presentation...which is exactly two years since I began the journey with my sisters as an aspirant. Unbelievable. @NadaTeTurbe, thank you! Please do say a prayer for me. I quite like the story of Our Lady of Lourdes and have a close connection with the place.
Guest Posted February 4, 2017 Posted February 4, 2017 On 2/02/2017 at 6:24 PM, Spem in alium said: Dear friends, I have just been informed that I will formally be accepted for the next stage of my formation on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Feb 11. God's grace is overflowing in my life. Please pray for my sisters, my family and for me. Great news! Congratulations and well done! Prayer as requested.
beatitude Posted February 4, 2017 Posted February 4, 2017 Wonderful! I love Our Lady of Lourdes, and I will make sure to get to Mass on that day so I can offer thanksgiving for you, even if I have to sneak out of work ninja-style. Congratulations and all my prayers.
Spem in alium Posted February 4, 2017 Author Posted February 4, 2017 Thank you both! Still doesn't feel real that in one week I will be there. My heart is so full of joy. This afternoon I met my oldest friend. When I got home after 4 hours my mum asked me what we ate. I said nothing - we just sat in a park and talked for four hours. My friend is a devout Muslim, and we spent a lot of time talking about faith, politics, society. One of the best experiences of my time at home.
Spem in alium Posted February 6, 2017 Author Posted February 6, 2017 I'm now back home with my sisters. It was hard saying goodbye to my family, but wonderful to be back with my sisters. One sister joked that now that I am back she will have her toast...as I make it for her every morning I started a new formation course last night. We have about 30 candidates and the vibe was very warm and friendly. Next week my formator and I will go for a three-day orientation session as part of the official novitiate program run for congregations which have a small number of novices. It's all moving quickly and I hope I can just use this week to be still and find God in the excitement and anticipation.
Feankie Posted February 6, 2017 Posted February 6, 2017 Spem, I haven't had a chance to say how excited I am for you. You are blessed!!! And you go girl :))
deusluxmea Posted February 7, 2017 Posted February 7, 2017 I have been following this thread and cheering you on all the way. Delighted your congregation is moving you forward. Prayers galore!
Spem in alium Posted February 9, 2017 Author Posted February 9, 2017 On Tuesday, February 07, 2017 at 8:41 AM, Francis Clare said: Spem, I haven't had a chance to say how excited I am for you. You are blessed!!! And you go girl :)) Thank you, friend! I am so blessed! Prayers and thoughts coming your way. On Tuesday, February 07, 2017 at 9:56 PM, deusluxmea said: I have been following this thread and cheering you on all the way. Delighted your congregation is moving you forward. Prayers galore! Thank you so much! I am thrilled too. When the news was announced in our provincial circular letter my superior wrote that the decision was made after "a long discerment process"...which made me chuckle! Only when I read that did I think: yes, it was kind of long! With God journeying beside me it didn't seem very long at all.
Sister Leticia Posted February 9, 2017 Posted February 9, 2017 As it's almost the 11th, and you might be having some quiet time before becoming a novice... this is just to assure you of prayers, that this new adventure with God may contain many blessings, increasing clarity and much growth, along with all the challenges and joys which await. (And don't forget Edith Stein will be keeping an eye on your parents)
Spem in alium Posted February 11, 2017 Author Posted February 11, 2017 Thank you, all. Two hours until we begin our prayer service. I have had my veil fitted, read over the order of prayer, ironed many tablecloths and set up our chapel and meeting room. Now it is time to gather my thoughts and my heart. I am happy, excited and wonderfully nervous! Above all I feel so blessed that God has called me to this place which is my spiritual home, and to the women who surround me with love and joy. It won't be smooth sailing always, but I know that Jesus, who led me to this place where I was once a stranger, will continue to lead me if only I follow. I may have access (though limited) to phatmass. Please keep me in your prayers and know how privileged I feel to have had you walk with me on this tremendous journey. I know we will continue to walk together even if we aren't connected here. You have my love and prayers. God be with you all.
Pax17 Posted February 11, 2017 Posted February 11, 2017 The privilege has been ours...we have been blessed through your generosity, honesty and warm spirit. Know that that you remain in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Spem in alium Posted February 11, 2017 Author Posted February 11, 2017 Thank you, all! A truly beautiful celebration -- everything just feels absolutely right and I feel so loved by God. I'm quite amused to know that my initials are now "SMS" - "Sr Mary S---" (though we don't generally use the "Mary" when referring to our sisters). My main prayer is that I can make my life a reflection of His great love for me.
MikMowse Posted February 11, 2017 Posted February 11, 2017 https://www.facebook.com/csfnaustralia/?ref=page_internal&hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE. Many pictures rues are already posted.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now