Meet the Worldwide Novices
Sr. Maggie, OSB-F
Cloister Contemplative
Hello and welcome!
I’m Sr. Maggie, Cloister Contemplative. Amma Jane asked me to introduce you to our recently welcomed Worldwide Novices. Like me, these novices do not live in Mountainside, New Jersey, where the Feline Cloister is rooted. We live in the United States and around the world.
About Benedictine Novices
In Chapter 58 – The Procedure for Receiving Monastics, Benedict gives instructions for teaching new members who are called “novices.”
Back in Benedict’s time a potential member might have to knock at the door for four or five days! (RB 58.3) Benedict wanted to make sure that they were serious about seeking God and not just interested in food and a bed.
As in Benedict’s time, there is a period of instruction and testing before a person or feline takes the vows of Stability, Obedience and Conversion of Life, dedicating their life to God and the community. Key to the instruction is, of course, learning all about The Rule of St. Benedict.
As you read about each novice not only will you learn about them. You will also learn about teachings in the Rule, through Rule quotes and explanations. Each new novice had a Zoom call with Br. Ricky, Novice Master.
Why Become a Worldwide Novice?
As a Worldwide Noivce you will
Receive special attention and instruction from Novice Master, Br. Ricky, OSB-F.
Learn from Monday Mewsings, a monthly newletter. Here Amma, Br. Ricky and other felines of the Cloister present instruction on The Rule of St. Benedict to the Worldwide Novices and their humans.
For a sample of Monday Mewsings, please jump here.
Be a member of a special community of felines dedicated to following Jesus and his teachings through the wisdom of St. Benedict.
Access the Worldwide Novice Corner for Novice Instruction and Novice Activites both rooted in The Rule of St. Benedict. This special section is for Worldwide Novices and their humans only.
“I am learning so much about the Rule from Br. Ricky. And about the other novices, too. It is rewarding and fun.”
Worldwide Novice
Mr. Pippn Marmalade, Frederisckburg, VA
Are You Eager To Become A Worldwide Novice?
To reach the application form, tap your paw here.
Welcome Worldwide Novices!
On behalf of the Feline Cloister I welcome the following felines who have promised
to learn about The Rule of St Benedict, to be with us and with each other in community through the internet, and
to prayerfully discern a decision to join the Worldwide Feline Cloister.
Mimi – Clyde, Missouri
Hi there, from the monastery of the Benedictine Sisters of Adoration Monastery in Clyde, Missouri. I would like to join the Feline Cloister as a Worldwide Novice because I ‘m special! When I shared this with Novice Master Br. Ricky on our Zoom call his eyes...
Felicity – Clyde, Missouri
Hello there! I am a four-year-old feline who lives in a wonderful monastery in Clyde, Missouri, the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. On my Zoom call with Br. Ricky, our Novice Master, I shared that a feline visitor asked me if I was the one being...
Phillipa Catherine – Union, Kentucky
Hello! My name is Phillipa Catherine. I am an eight-year-old feline. On our Zoom call I explained to Novice Master Br. Ricky that I wanted to join the Feline Cloister because my human is, surprisingly, a lot like me and she needs some help! Br. Ricky gave me an...
Miss Sassafras – Upland, California
Hello! My name is Miss Sassafras. One day when the vet was way behind seeing patients, I read an article about the Feline Cloister in the publication, “The American Feline – Mews for Cats.” Curious, I emailed the Cloister for more information. The reply came...
Poppy – East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Hello there. I am Poppy, a ten-year-old female. On our Zoom call, I told Br. Ricky, our Novice Master, why I would like to join the Feline Cloister. I've heard about T.S. Eliot's "Christ the Tiger" and I would like to follow him. Br. Ricky looked a bit confused...
China – East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Hello from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. My name is China. I am an 11-year-old female. I would like to join the Feline Cloister because I hear that God gives the best treats. When I shared that with Novice Master Br. Ricky on our Zoom call his eyes opened wide. ...
Mao – Carmel, Indiana
Hello, there. My name is Mao. I am an 11-year-old male feline, at least I think that’s how old I am. I want to join the Feline Cloister because Aunt Jane (Amma) wants me to. I had been thinking about the idea, too, but had some reservations about whether or not I...
Lilibet – Torrance, California
Hi! My name is Lilibet. I would like to join the Feline Cloister because I need some self-discipline and I would like to learn to meditate better. On our Zoom call I told Novice Master Br. Ricky about my delight in running, pouncing and keeping in motion. With a...
Black Pearl – Memphis, Tennessee
Hello, there. My name is Black Pearl. My human and all my friends call me Pearl, so you may, too. I am 13 years and one month old and am Diamond’s sister. She's also a new Worldwide Novice. You can read about her here. I am so excited about becoming a part of the...