Rejoice — A New Novice at Glencairn

Today our postulant has formally entered the novitiate and is now Sister Marlena. During her clothing, she received the white habit of a novice and the cloak, outward signs of an inward disposition, as she begins the two-year journey of the Cistercian novitiate.

We give thanks to God and ask that all who read this to join us in prayer for her fidelity, humility and joy in this new season of grace. Deo gratias.

In the Cistercian tradition, the novitiate is not simply a period of instruction, but a time of gradual conversion of life. It is here that the heart is schooled in stability and simple fidelity.

Aelred of Rievaulx, writing of the monastic way, reminds us that vocation is always rooted in transformation:

“Here we are instructed not by words alone, but by life itself — not by speech, but by example.”

Today, that living instruction continues in our midst.

We thank God for the gift of Sister Marlena to our community, for the mystery of vocation that still calls hearts in every generation, and for the quiet fruitfulness of the monastic life. May Our Lady keep her under her mantle, and may Christ, who has begun this good work in her, bring it to completion.