The Novitiate
ntil
1900, the Novices wore a long blue dress, when that garment was
replaced by a long black dress with a white collar and a little
white veil with a frill, so that the hair showed at the front. This
habit was a symbol, both for the Novices and their peers, that they
had entered a crucial time of study and questioning, in preparation
for their lives in a religious community. Even fire drills in the
middle of the night were no excuse for being seen without the veil!
![](images/images_people_novitiate_teaching_small.jpg) |
|
The
Novices were generally cloistered, or secluded within the Convent,
as they pursued their studies. They attended chapel, sang at Mass
and went out into the Novitiate
Garden but were not to associate with individuals outside those
areas, even during their chores. As a result, they became quite
close to the other Novices and Postulants, who were their constant
companions. As they undertook their practical training, they were
permitted to address their pupils. In the early years of the Convent
in Victoria, the Novitiate schedule matched that of the Sisters,
based as it was on the agricultural society of Quebec. They were
given more time for study and reflection. As Novices, they were
granted special graces, and it is remembered as a happy time by
most.
The
chores of the Novices ranged from shelling peas to a strenuous scrubbing
of the floors, but laundry was a task that sapped their energies.
Every other week, the Novices would be assigned duties in the steam
laundry, located to the rear of the grounds. The party of women
would spend the night working at the labour-intensive task, until
all the sheets, towels and tunics were washed and dried. Then, they
would gather around, pulling the chairs together and covering them
with comforters to sit around eating and telling stories.
Final Days
In 1967, the Noviciate training changed in accordance with Vatican
II, and the long history of Novices at St. Ann's soon ended. Few
women chose to enter after that point. Just as it seemed natural
for women to enter, it felt right for them to leave, to dedicate
their lives to service in other ways, as the range of service organizations
open to them had increased greatly over the years.
The Catholic Encyclopaedia is an online resource that may help with
any questions pertaining to the Catholic faith. The site contains
over 11,000 entries on Catholic scholarship, history and beliefs,
and is based on volumes of books, collected and published in 1907.
At the top of the screen, the letters of the alphabet are set up
as links. All of the articles that begin with that letter are listed
on another page, which in turn has links to the entries themselves.
As an example, if one were to search for more information on St.
Anne, they would begin by clicking on "A", scrolling down the list
to "Anne, St", and selecting that entry. The entry includes an explanation
of who she is and information such as the fact that she is the principal
patron of the province of Quebec. The site, at http://www.newadvent.org/
is concise and simple to use.
|