Novitiate, the beginningvof a new journey of love

In a spirit of joy and thanksgiving, the novitiate community, together with the General Government represented by Sr. Roselle Dele Cruz and Sr. Alicia Fogliatti, and the Provincial Superior Sr. Cesarina Pisanelli, warmly welcomed Giovvanna Seo into the Rite of Entrance to the Novitiate during the Vespers of the Ascension of the Lord on March 16, 2026.

Through a brief reflection inspired by the words of the Founder and the Rule of Life of the Congregation, the community recalled the significance of this important stage of formation in religious life. The novitiate is a sacred time marked by prolonged moments of silence and prayer, allowing the soul to encounter the Lord more deeply. During this stage, the novice is invited to listen attentively to the promptings of the Holy Spirit so as to grow in maturity in responding to God’s call and in readiness for the pastoral mission of the Church.

 Three meaningful symbols were presented: the Gospel, the Rule of Life, and the Rosary. These serve as essential guides for continual reflection throughout this special journey with the Lord. With the guidance of the Novice Mistress and the support of the community, fraternal life is also nurtured and strengthened, not only in principles but especially in the simplicity of daily living, where the novice embraces community life through the joyful witness of being a Pastorella.

This entrance marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of sanctification, as the novice seeks the grace of God to transform the deepest parts of her being and to draw her into a closer and more intimate relationship with the Lord. The warm embraces and affectionate greetings shared by the sisters and novices present were a touching reminder that she does not walk this path alone, but together with the community on the shared journey toward holiness.

Sr Saturnina Caccam. sjbp