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.
Teddy Bear – Somerset, England
Hello from Somerset, England. I’m Teddy Bear, a 3-year-6-month-old male cat. I would like to join the Feline Cloister because I am a Christian cat who wants to learn about St. Benedict and Jesus. I also want to surrpawt my mommy in her work as a Vicar. I am her...
Anarchat – East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Hello! My name is Anarchat. I am a 9-year, 10-month old male cat. I welcome you from my heart. On my Zoom call with Novice Master Br. Ricky I shared why I want to join the Feline Cloister. First, I want to be even better friends with my housemate Worldwide Novice...
Cider – Carlsbad, California
Hello from the charming town of Carlsbad, California. I am Cider, an 11 year-old male. I would like to join the Feline Cloister because Aunt Stephanie thought it was really cool❤️. She is my mom’s daughter, and I trust her judgment about joining the Cloister. I...
Dustmop – Davis, California
Hey, so glad you’re here. I like meeting new felines and people. I’m Dustmop, a female novice. I would like to join the Feline Cloister because: I need to broaden my activities. My age? I don’t know. To copy what many humans declare, I always say I’m 3 years...
Chloe Sophia – Peabody-Massachusetts
With deep sadness Novice Clarissa Anne shares that beloved Novice Chloe Sophia passed away in January, 2025. She lived 15 years, blessing her human, Denise Ann, with joy and many Benedictine conversations.We honor her and know that she is safe and happy in the...
Dora Maxwell – St. Paul, Minnesota
Hi! I’m Dora Maxwell. I would like to join the Feline Cloister because Kate, my human, does these ‘Benedictine’ things and uses strange words like vespers and compline. I want to understand what she’s doing so I can interrupt better. When he heard this on our Zoom...
Bear – High Rolls Mountain Park, New Mexico
With deep sadness Novice Clarissa Anne shares that beloved Novice Bear passed away in January, 2025..Bear lived 19 years, blessing his humans, Dottie and Chuck, with joy.We honor him and know that he is safe and happy in the Paradise Cloister."Greetings from beautiful...
Annie – Rapid City, South Dakota
Hi there! My name is Annie. I’m a three-year-old feline. I would like to join the Feline Cloister because I think it will help me be a better cloister kitty. Our novice master Br. Ricky gave a big purr when he heard this. He assured me that I was responding to a...
Calvin – Andover, Massachusetts
Hello! My name is Calvin and I’m about 15 years old. I would like to join the Feline Cloister because I wish to know more about the Rule of St. Benedict and possibly incorporate more of his teachings into my life. I confess that I was worried about the Zoom...