From the City of Brotherly Love ... or, more accurately, from its suburbs
We are happy to welcome Peter Land to the postulancy at our monastery in Brighton, MA. Peter is a native of Blue Bell in the northern suburbs of Philadelphia, where his parents continue to live. A graduate of Boston College, class of '08, he received his BA in History and Philosophy. He was put in contact with the Order through Manresa House (an on-campus resource for vocational discernment) at Boston College. Attracted by the complementarity of contemplative prayer and apostolic ministry, and growing more drawn to the wisdom of our saints, Peter made visits with our communities in Brighton, Washington, DC, and in the Milwaukee area.
Peter will begin the postulancy in mid-September. The postulancy normally lasts nine months according to the custom of the province. The ratio of the Order states that the postulancy provides the aspirant with "the opportunity of getting to know our life with its values and demands, and of learning what he is undertaking in entering novitiate" (154).
The program of spiritual formation requires an ongoing catechesis, as needed, with a view to deepening the postulant's understanding of the history of salvation and the meaning of religious life. This includes an introductory study of our saints and our charism, as well as a history of the Order, and an introduction to liturgy and Sacred Scripture (165-166).
Our prayers are with Peter as he furthers his discernment of a vocation with our province as a Discalced Carmelite Friar!