by Sr. Joan Hornick, ASC
Greetings from the Eternal City! It is the Eternal City of hills and steps! (Today in church I counted 12 steps between the altar to the tabernacle.) I began to write this on March 10. Sister Mary Catherine and I were warmly greeted in January with song and hugs by the novices and Srs. Mariamma, Martha, and Piera on that day which began my time here. I had the opportunity to celebrate the beatification of John Merlini. I quickly realized through experience one needs to wear warm clothing when in church. Often the people in the house wear jackets during the day.
During this time, I have been observing, listening, and finding my way around the house and the city (a little bit). I’m taking Italian classes at a school 20 minutes (walking) away from the house. You can help me here by calling upon the Holy Spirit to enlighten my mind and loosen my tongue to speak Italian! One Friday in Lent, the Novitiate community was the leader for the stations of the cross in the parish. I had the opportunity to read a line in Italian for the Station V — Simon of Cerene helps Jesus carry the cross.
The nine novices (five from Tanzania, three from Croatia, one from Siberia) have been most helpful in answering my questions. I’m a novice as they are. In May, they will leave for their apostolic experience. It will be a time of change in the house. As they welcomed me into their house, it will be my turn to welcome the new women coming to be novices in June. As it is written in Ecclesiastes “There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven: A time for giving birth, a time for dying, a time for planting, a time for uprooting what has been planted…..a time for tears, a time for laughter…(and I add) a time to say good bye and a time to say hello.”
I appreciate the time to get to know where I am before the new group comes. I look forward to it and I’m also nervous about it. I use the words of Julian of Norwich “All will be well.” And of course, the MDM words– the “Providence of God” prayer. I think of you often and hope you are well. When I go to the holy places of prayer (St. Peter’s, Mary Major, St. Paul, Acuto as well in the novitiate house), I bring you with me.
Much love to you.
Arrivederci!
Top Photo: Birthday Celebration
Group Photo: With Sr. Angela DiSpirito on the letters of St. Maria