‘And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left
your ears shall hear a word behind you saying,
“This is the way; walk in it.”’(Isaiah 30:21).
Novitiate is one of the most crucial and important stage in the period of religious formation. This year is a precious time to hear God’s voice about his plans that he has for us. To put in a nutshell, this is a special time of discernment of our religious vocation with the life of ardent and fervent prayer.
PRAYER LIFE
We are very much thankful to Fr. Jomio and Fr. Lester who are guiding us to be more close to God. All our prayer especially the most holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our joy and happiness. Praying together as a community, helps united us to be united and facilitates our relationship with God and with one another.
PLACE
We are very much thankful to God for giving us a wonderful place to do our Novitiate. Our community is placed in the middle of a reserved forest (Longwood) surrounded by 23 acres of tea plantation. It is very much cold here and also a wonderful creation of God. Also we are happy with our friends like wild boar, bisons, leopard, panther, snakes and also our cute little Princy (cat) and her children. Silence is one of the most and important rule in Novitiate, to listen the voice of God.
COMMUNITY
Here, there are 5 priests and 13 Novices. It is a great opportunity to do our Novitiate with other brothers from other provinces. We have various community activities in our daily timetable like community prayer, classes, games, work, community meals, celebrations, movies, long walks, pastoral works. All these activities help us to grow in our community life and in our vocation. As we have finished one-third of our Novitiate, we are very much thankful to all our fathers in Ligouri Province, especially the former Provincial Fr. Joy Poonoly, and the present Provincial Fr. Biju Madathikunnel. Also with a great love we thank our vocation promoters and all other priests who were a great help for us to go forward especially, our formators Fr. Stephen, Fr. Bijo M., Fr. Binu A., Fr. Bijo V. and all our dear brothers who all helped us in our life. We ask all your prayers with a great love.
Bro. Novices Tony,
Jaimon, Jose, Alan.
Mount St. Joseph, Kotagiri.
