Congregations and cultures mix as novices learn and grow together

Published by Global Sisters Report on April 3, 2023

Being able to laugh while trying to learn the steps to an African dance, experience a liturgy at a Ukrainian Church, or discuss facets of Black History Month has been an integral part of the past eight months for a group of six novices, who have bonded into a distinct community.

The 2022-23 members of the InterCongregational Collaborative Novitiate cohort have found that, in addition to the program allowing them to continue their personal and vocational discernment, they are also gaining an appreciation of each other’s cultural traditions, and those of the surrounding neighborhood of Hyde Park in Chicago.

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Besides the practical aspects of living together, Maribah appreciates the insights she has been given into Franciscan, Precious Blood and Presentation spirituality. “I think I’m in heaven right now,” she laughed. “There’s so much joy, I cannot control it.”

She related how she sees herself in the light of a native story about a frog in a well. Life, she added, is about more than just what’s in the well, and she has been able to discover that in this intercultural setting. “I’m really thankful to my community for giving me this opportunity to enter the big sea.”

Read the entire story featuring Maribah, who is a novice with the Sisters of Loretto, along with novices with other congregations, here.