The time spent in the novitiate by Br. Basil and Br. Christian will be a period of continuing discernment, study, prayer, work and recreation. Their movement is generally restricted to the monastery and its grounds. This means that their classes are held in-house, taught by the older brothers, and will cover such topics as Liturgy, Latin, Monastic History, Monastic Literature, Monastic Prayer, Monastic Theory and Practice, and Chant. Equally important is their being folded carefully into the fabric of the day-to-day community life, the life of brothers living together in unity, as indicated by Prior Michael’s question posed during the Clothing Rite: “Dear brothers, what do you ask of us?” They responded simultaneously, “We ask to be admitted to the monastic way of life in your community.” Prior Michael’s next question laid out the game plan: “Are you ready to undergo a period of formation, to discern whether you truly seek God, and whether you are zealous for the work of God, for obedience and for the endurance of trials?” Again, they responded as one, “We are ready, with the help of God.”
Brother Benedict is in his final year of the novitiate and will, Deo volente, or God-willing, profess his solemn vows in the fall. It was necessary that the first year of his novitiate discernment take place at Saint Louis Abbey. We are grateful that Br. Basil and Br. Christian are able to remain in Portsmouth, at home, as it were, which has brought joy to our family circle. Please pray for them and be assured that you will be reading more about them, and by them, as time goes on.