The postulants chant the Veni Creator with our Reverend Mother and the Novice Mistress as they begin a time of spiritual retreat before receiving the habitOne of the canons gives the postulants a spiritual conference.All of the spiritual conferences and religious instructions begin and end with a prayer.Prayer before a meal in the refectory. Our usual meals are taken in silence, as we listen to a spiritual bookThe sisters preparing to pronounce their vows are also in retreat. Here, they receive instruction from our Reverend MotherAt the close of the retreat, everyone enjoys coming together for a special meal in recreation. Here, the postulants have their meal with their superiors and the chaplain for the retreat.Sisters prepare the chapter room before the arrival of the Most Reverend Cardinal Willem Eijk, of Utrecht, who will be giving the habit to the new novicesThe chapter room is used for vesting the prelate before the ceremoniesThe statue of the Sacred Heart of Christ the King is ornamented with flowers and garlands, as the Brides of Christ come to offer themselves to His Royal HeartSisters clean up the interior courtyard after some recent rainAn alcove near Saint Joseph is prepared in the cloisterOlive oil, marmalade, limoncello, and traditional “palmier” cookies made the sisters. The olives and fruit all come from the gardens of our houses in Italy.The postulants wear their hair down on the day before they don the veil. The veil symbolizes their undivided love of Jesus ChristMany sisters from our other houses were able to come for this joyous occasionThe sisters delight whenever there is an opportunity to come together, joined by the bonds of fraternal charity.In the religious life, joyous occasions of fraternal recreation and peaceful moments with Our Lord always walk hand-in-handThe sacristy is ready for the sacred ministersThe sanctuary has been preparedThe crosses of profession await
