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.
Diamond – Memphis, Tennessee
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here. I am 13 years old, plus one month. That is 68 in human years. I am Pearl’s sister. She is also a new Worldwide Novice. You can read about Pearl here. I would like to join the Feline Cloister because I want to live a quiet, peaceful...
Novice Benjamin – Las Vegas, Nevada
My given name is Benjamin, but my humans affectionately call me Bennie. I am 1 ½ years old. I would like to join the Feline Cloister because I offer a different perspective as a one-eyed feline. In our Zoom interview Novice Master Br. Ricky asked me to share what...
Humphrey Slocombe Smith – Seattle Washington
Greetings! I am a 6 ½ year old half Main Coon tabby. My human calls me “Humpie.” I would like to join the Feline Cloister because my human is a cleric, and I suspect I should get into the act. On my Zoom call with him Br. Ricky, Novice Master, purred when I mewed...
Esther – San Angelo, Texas
My name is Esther. I am 2 years old, and I know my actual Birthday! It’s May 29, so please send good wishes to me on that date. I would like to join the Feline Cloister because my mom and grandma think I might learn to behave. I guess my behavior could use a tweak...
Sasha – San Angelo, Texas
I would like to join the Feline Cloister because my human mom has all these medals, statues and prayer books about this St. Benedict and I think I need to know more about him. Also she goes away for a long time to a Monastery and I think she needs to take us with her....
Willow – Jackson, Mississippi
Hello. I’m Willow, a 1 ½ year old female. I want to join the Feline Cloister because, in all honesty, I need self-discipline and tolerance for all others. Like most of my feline friends and relatives, I feel that the world revolves around me. Having everything my...
Cleopatra Whitney – Peabody, Massachusetts
Hello! My name is Cleopatra Whitney. I am 7 years young; in human years that’s 44 years old. I would like to join the Feline Cloister because my human finds me to be very spiritual, and I want to stay that way. On our recent Zoom call, Br. Ricky, our Novice Master,...
Novice Jake – Everett, Washington
I would like to join the Feline Cloister because my mother loves St. Benedict and I would like to know more about him. At 12 years old I have matured in my outlook on life. This has opened the door for getting closer to God and for setting aside some feline pursuits...
Novice Trouble – Wynot, Nebraska
Just like my feline housemate Georgette, I would like to join the Feline Cloister because my human is a Benedictine Oblate and I want to do everything she does. I can see that she tries very hard to live her Rule of Life and I admire her dedication. I am a...