Day 19 in the life of a Cistercian Novice. Everything feels promising and going into the right direction.

Today was the first time it really poured while I was out. And it was wonderful. Just standing there with a rain jacket and hood.

A completely sunny day. Both outside in the garden and inside in the heart. After breakfast and dinner, I visited the elderly sisters in...

The most important thing is to keep soft under the shell. To remain open to God and filled with love for Him.

The wide cloak is a symbol of God's wide and encompassing love, surrounding us from all sides. He wraps us in His grace and blessing.

When you’re still young, it’s easy to convince yourself that you’re independent, and your own strength masks the reality

I almost believe that all of heaven, with every angel and saint, had to help push me out of bed.

The novitiate offers a freedom that many in the world may not recognize as such, but it is more valuable than the freedom to do whatever ...

There are also plenty of other opportunities for mishaps. For example, the sleeves are double-layered up to the elbows. They are attached...

All too often, I’m in a hurry and want to reach my goal immediately. I must learn to walk patiently, step by step

Me and my feet, we love going without shoes. So today, when I saw the sun shining, I just couldn't resist going barefoot into the garden.

I am a child running toward the sun. A child reaching out to eternity with the Father. I know of His unconditional love and kindness.

Today, I probably sang more than ever before. Slowly, I’m becoming more familiar with these black squares (the Gregorian chant notation).

No other lords ruling over me and no other gods that I worship have any place in my life. I belong only to the Triune God.

There is a custom in our house that a statue of Mary, called the Little Crowned Madonna, visits a different sister every month.

When I go to prayer, I have more to carry than I’m used to. It can always remind me that I not only carry myself before God, but everyone

Am I already a good sister? Not yet. But maybe I'm on the right path. Still far from being used to being a sister at all, but happy for now.

after yesterday was so busy that I could hardly sleep at night, I really needed a relaxed day and that is exactly what I got.

First day of my noviciate in a cistercian convent. Everything is different, but I'm still the same.