Novice Amberina transitions from postulant to novice
PHOTO: Prioress General Sister Dawn Annette Mills, OSB (right) welcomes Amberina into the novitiate during a ceremony held in the congregation's Adoration Chapel.
Postulant Amberina entered the novitiate of the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration on June 7, marking a significant chapter in her spiritual journey.
It is a path marked by moments of discernment, support and profound faith. Through a series of thoughtful conversations, Novice Amberina shared her experiences, shedding light on her personal journey, the challenges and joys of life in the novitiate and her hopes for the future.
A Personal Journey of Faith
Novice Amberina’s journey to the Benedictine Sisters began with what she describes as a series of fortuitous encounters and persistent encouragement.
"I found the Benedictine Sisters here in Clyde through word of mouth from a Cisterian Sister and a persistent woman with brochures at my town's 24-hour Adoration Chapel," she said.
The path wasn't always clear, and discerning her calling involved balancing a secular job she loved with vocational discernment retreats. Support from her family, friends, spiritual directors and a close friend who was her high school guidance counselor years ago played a crucial role in helping her navigate the discernment process.
She ultimately decided God was calling her to the Benedictine Sisters and entered the congregation as a postulant in February 2023. The past 17 months have allowed her to take time to adjust to living in a community of different generations and personalities and to learn to shift one’s focus from self to a group.
Life as a Postulant and a Novice
Transitioning from postulancy to the novitiate has been a period of deep learning and unexpected revelations for Novice Amberina.
"A surprising aspect of life in postulancy was learning that silence in a place doesn't always mean silence in my heart," she explained.
Despite experiencing personal losses, including the passing of loved ones including Sisters, family members and friends, the spiritual practices of the community have provided her with solace and strength. Liturgy of the Hours, daily mass, and lectio divina are integral parts of her daily routine, offering her moments of reflection and connection with the divine.
As a novice, further instruction will prepare her for taking her first monastic profession.
“The primary purpose of the novitiate is to enable the novice to discern the will of God for her through instruction, spiritual guidance and the lived experience of our particular Benedictine lifestyle,” Novice Director Sister Ruth Elaine Starman, OSB said. “She will dive deeper into the study of the Rule of St. Benedict and will also have classes in monastic history and scripture.”
Embracing Benedictine Spirituality
Benedictine spirituality, with its emphasis on stability, obedience and conversatio, resonates deeply with Novice Amberina. The Rule of St. Benedict, especially Chapter 4 on the Tools of Good Works, has been a guiding framework for her.
"The opening word of the Rule, 'listen,' is what resonates most for me," she said.
Stability, she has learned, involves accepting and growing through life's challenges. Reflecting on obedience, Novice Amberina draws inspiration from Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways," embracing the journey as a continuous process of growth and acceptance.
Community and Support
Living in community has profoundly impacted Novice Amberina's spiritual and personal growth. The support of her Sisters, especially during times of heartbreak, has been invaluable.
"I learn from my Sisters’ stories and by simply being around them," she said.
The wisdom and companionship of the elderly Sisters in Our Lady of Rickenbach have enriched her experience, offering her lessons in patience, guidance and trust.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Novice Amberina’s aspirations are grounded in simplicity and a deepening love for God and others. She hopes to remain open to the needs of those around her, trusting in God's guidance. Gratitude is a cornerstone of her outlook, reflecting a heart open to the myriad possibilities of her religious journey.
Personal Reflection
One particularly meaningful experience for Novice Amberina occurred during a retreat. Observing a pond in turbulence, she saw a leaf fall without causing visible ripples. This moment symbolized for her that significant changes might not always be visible, but they are happening nonetheless.
"Understanding of God's love will be a lifetime journey for myself, but what I perceive is that His love is all consuming, never ending and yearns to be shared,” she said.
Advice for Others
For those considering a call to religious life, Novice Amberina offers heartfelt advice.
"You won’t know if you're called by only reading about it; eventually, you’ll have to jump into that feeling of deep unknowing to grow in trust,” she said.
She encourages making visits to various communities and emphasizes the importance of living in the moment, free from the fears of past or future.
Novice Amberina's journey is a testament to the power of faith, community and the ongoing pursuit of spiritual growth. Her story serves as an inspiration to those discerning their path, reminding them of the profound impact of listening to one's heart and embracing the call to serve God. |