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.
Novice Shadow – Torrance, California
I would like to join the Feline Cloister because I have the cloistered life down pat but would like to learn more about living in community with humans from others who are experts. I am not used to humans at all; I lived in a shelter for 8 years, my only companions...
Novice Angelo – Castelmola, Sicily
Hello from Castelmola, Sicily! I am what humans here disparagingly call, gatto randagio, a stray cat, who lives in a community of gatti randagi. I became a novice because I wanted to center my life in God. I also want to be an agent of change and transformation in...
Novice Xochi – San Antonio, Texas USA
I’m a 1 ½ year-old female cat. I would like to join the Feline Cloister because: I am already a bit of a Benedictine, though I need to review the ladder of humility. I have practiced being with my human Mary during her prayers. On our Zoom call Novice Master Br....
Novice Joey – East Moline, Illinois USA
I would like to join the Feline Cloister because: I would like to see what other cats are doing. Maybe I could learn something new. Just so you know, I am 14 years old and am a charming female cat.
Novice Mr. Pippin Marmalade – Fredericksburg, Virginia
I would like to join the Feline Cloister because I am drawn to prayer. I love to be with my momma when she prays on the Facebook livestream, especially when she leads the daily office. I would love to learn more about the Rule and especially about the mystics and...
Novice Mia – Memphis, Tennessee USA
I would like to join the Feline Cloister because: I know there is much I can learn from other felines regarding prayer, meditation and appropriate behavior in the Benedictine way. I am a good companion to my human and know that I can be a good companion to the other...