June 10-29, 2024

The Novice Directors from all the monasteries in the region meet every two years to share their experience with each other. One of our houses is chosen as the host each time, and this year Gethsemani had the pleasure of being the host.

Often a presenter is invited to bring some focus and attention to various aspects of formation. This year, the Novice Directors asked Br. John Mark Falkenhain to share his expertise with the group. Br. John Mark is uniquely qualified for this, being a licensed psychologist who has specialized in celibacy and in formation in general. He is a monk of St. Meinrad Archabbey and has himself worked on the formation team there. He is in the process of writing a book on obedience in monastic life, stressing its centrality and its wider meaning.

Novice Directors from coast to coast gathered here, both from the OSCO and the OC. They also had the pleasure of welcoming a guest, Br. Mateus, from the monastery of Novo Mundo in Brazil who happened to be visiting Genesee.

The presentations by Br. John Mark were very useful to everyone, and many times he barely got through the material he had prepared because the group felt free to ask questions and offer experience to clarify, expand, and make what he was showing us relevant to our particular circumstances.

There was also ample time for pastoral sharing, that is, sharing any difficulties, any useful stories, and any hope and joy with each other.

The meeting ended with a gaudeamus (“let us rejoice”) in the Gethsemani refectory, where the Novice Directors and the community met and talked over refreshments.

We would especially like to thank Fr. Isaac of Genesee for organizing the whole thing and for acting as MC.