This letter to her sister continues our Vocation Letter series on our Dominican monastic life by our fictional novice, Sister Mary Rosaria.
Ave + Maria
Dear Tessa,
Happy (belated) feast of the Presentation and Purification! This feast is traditionally the end of the extended Christmas season. Yesterday we said goodbye to all the poinsettias decorating the church, and brought in all the candles to be blessed during the special procession that begins Mass. This feast is traditionally called “Candlemas” for that reason, as we celebrate Jesus’ Presentation in the Temple, and Simeon calling Him the “light of the nations.”
During Advent and Christmas this year, I was thinking about how dear to our hearts all our community traditions are. We have a new postulant this year, and so all our celebrations are even more festive and exciting, since one of our favorite traditions is actually surprising new members! I remember the first year I came, whenever during recreation one of the Sisters would be delighting in telling some story from past years, if she came too close to revealing some as-yet-secret future tradition, everyone else would jump in, “SShhh!!” with knowing looks to remind her not to let the secret slip before its time. Now, as a Sister in temporary vows, I often get to be one of the ones who is “in on the secret” and helps arrange things ahead of time. Our Sister Postulant really enjoys being surprised, too, which makes it all the more delightful!
Maybe you wouldn’t guess what is one of the biggest surprises in the monastery. It’s not that one thing (ssshh!!) that we do for that special feast day, or how we (Sshh!!) prepare for that (SSHH!) other special occasion which I can’t mention!
No, truly Tessa, it’s Jesus, and His deep and personal love for me in particular. How could this be a surprise, since after all, didn’t I enter the monastery because I loved Him and was responding to His call? But there it is. Maybe this never ceases to amaze: His love, His incredible love!
May Jesus also surprise you with His love!
With love and prayers in Our Lady,
Sister Mary Rosaria, O.P.
You May Also Like:
- Thinking of religious life? Learn how to prepare.
- Interested in our vocation? Contact our Vocation Directress about making a vocation retreat.
- Wondering why the three Sisters in the illustration above all wear different clothes? Learn about our Stages in Formation.