Mew! So glad you came by to read about me!
My name is Sophie and I am 4 years old. I would like to join the Feline Cloister because my mommy told me about Chloe Sophia. She was a Worldwide Novice who has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. My mommy said that as a novice she mastered the art of listening to others.
I mewed enthusiastically that I would like to learn about the Feline Cloister and be like Chloe Sophia. So, here I am!
Worldwide Novice Chloe Sophia,
lover of the Rule of St. Benedicta feline
who put Christ above all else.
On my Zoom interview with Novice Master Br. Ricky, I confessed that I know I should be kinder to my fellow felines. At the shelter the rumor was that I didn’t get along well with other kitties – even my own siblings! My hope is to learn to be more tolerant from those in the Cloister.
Br. Ricky gave me an understanding nod. He made a note in his little notebook with a tiny green pencil. He then nodded gravely. “You are a Tortoiseshell feline, Novice Sophie.” I gave a proud nod. With a kind feline smile, he continued. “An independent spirit is a characteristic of Tortoiseshell cats. But you heard a call to approach life with a new spirit. And you have come to the right place. Being in good relationships with others is a key teaching in the Rule. St. Benedict helps us learn to be more understanding and generous hearted towards others, even towards our family members.”
He quickly pawed through his well-worn copy of The Rule of St. Benedict in Mew and shared Benedict’s description of community.
“Among themselves they show the pure love of sisters and brothers; to God, reverent love; to their prioress or abbot, unfeigned and humble love.“ RB 72.8-10
Br Ricky promised to put me in touch with another Worldwide Novice who is also a Tortoiseshell cat. “You and Novice Lilibet can explore the Rule together for ways adopt Benedictine practices as Torties. Take heart. All of us come to the Rule with our personalities and ways of being. St. Benedict gives us a reason to be hopeful.”
“We must, then, prepare our hearts and bodies for the battle of holy obedience to God’s instructions. What is not possible to us by nature, let us ask the Holy One to supply by the help of grace.” Prologue 40-41
With a big purr I my heart soared as I thought….
“I am definitely in the right place!”
Worldwide Novice Lilibet
of Torrance, California
What are my outstanding characteristics? I am very contemplative and have been told that I have a cute meow. I also love toys. I especially like to explore and play during the night. My mommy often finds many toys scattered around the house in the morning. At this Br. Ricky gave a little feline chuckle. Another activity I love is sitting on the windowsill and watching the outside world.
Novice Sophie enjoying her special place at the windowsill
Of course there are things that I don’t like. I have already mewed about my lack of comradery with the cats at the shelter.
My mommy says I’m also very shy around too many people. I also don’t like loud noises and too much traffic around her food dish. When I am napping, I want to be left alone.
When Br. Ricky asked me what I thought my mommy should learn, I was eager to respond. She needs to be present and alert to refill my food dish promptly. I don’t resonate well with that old “wives’ tale” that all things come to she who waits!
Trying to suppress a grin, Br. Ricky again made a note in his little notebook with his tiny green pencil. Opening his well-worn copy of The Rule of St. Benedict in Mew, he explained that St. Benedict asks us for patience even when it is tough.
“The fourth step of humility is that in this obedience under difficult, unfavorable, or even unjust conditions, our hearts quietly embrace suffering and endure it without weakening or seeking escape. For scripture has it: Anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved (Matt 10:22), and again, Be brave of heart and rely on God” (Ps 27:14). RB 7.35-38
Meeeow! This is going to be tough! Noting my reaction, Br. Ricky offered these words of encouragement from the Rule.
“Place your hope in God alone.”
RB 4.41
I care a lot about my mommy and want her just to relax and not be anxious if I don’t appear from my resting nooks all the time. You see, in caring about her I’m following the truth about Torties.
We make the best human companions!
My favorite verses from the Rule:
“This, then, is the good zeal which members must foster with fervent love: They should each try to be the first to show respect to the other (Rom 12:10). supporting with the greatest patience one another’s weaknesses of body or behavior, and earnestly competing in obedience to one another.” RB 72. 3-6
Retreating from an onslaught of too many people, Novice Sophie hides in the cat tower where it’s safe