There is a common phrase which states that, "Everything good must come to an end," but I would also add, "so that something better might grow forth from it."
Last Sunday, after dinner, our brother Michael Beaupré made the official announcement that after much time of discernment he had decided that he would be leaving the novitiate program.
Michael, who came to us from the Province of Central Canada, has been with those of us from the Province of St. Joseph's since the beginning of postulancy. Since that time I think it is safe to say that we had all become rather good friends and having known him so well it is obvious that during his time with the order Michael grew a lot both spiritually and as a person in general. It is easy for anyone to see that he has a strong faith life and deep love for the Church.
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that for the time spent in the order there was a purpose for Michael's presence within it. If anything it helped him to further discern that religious life and the priesthood is not where God is calling him and that amount of discernment can be seen as a success. Our lives are a constant process of discerning which never ends and when one door closes another will open for us. I have no doubt that this is the case with Michael, that God has something else and something better planned for him.
Our thoughts and prayers go with Michael as he continues to discern God's will for him in his life. Though he may not be wearing the habit any longer, and though he doesn't have Bro. in front of his name, he will always remain a brother to us and we give him our love and our support as he continues his own journey of faith.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
The rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand
No comments:
Post a Comment