By Natalie Salameh who will be joining the Maronite
Servants of Christ the Light convent from Sydney Australia.
I would like to
share about my second visit to the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light from
November 11 to December 11. I happily
begin my faith journey with the Maronite Servants in early 2014. So I approached this trip secure in the
knowledge that I would be serving God and His people in a wonderful way soon.
I am drawn to the
vocation and charism of the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light because I
want to be God's instrument in nurturing and fostering the spiritual
growth of our Maronite people. As the Bethlehem Star was radiant
and led the Magi and Shepherds to the newborn King, I too wish to become
another Bethlehem Star that radiates God's light and leads others to Him. This is
precisely what a Maronite Servant is called to do. As a Maronite Servant, I
will be at the service of God's people and His Church as a spiritual mother who
nourishes and fosters the growth of her children.
During my recent
visit, I immersed myself in the life that God is calling me to, and that I
wholeheartedly and joyously embrace. What can I say, except, what a wonderful four
weeks! I was very sad to leave my new home (the convent) and my new family -
even if only for a little while, but I was able to witness the diversity of
spiritual and religious events, programs and activities engaged in by the
Maronite Servants.
In my first week,
the Maronite Servants hosted a combined MYO gathering for the teens of the New
Bedford, Brockton and Boston parishes. The Mother of the Light Convent was
absolutely buzzing with the fresh faces of these youth. The Sisters helped them
prepare for the Glorious Birth of Our Divine Lord.
In my second week,
the attention turned to the young children of the New Bedford parish for their
monthly Maronite Faith Formation (MFF). The focus of November’s MFF was the
centrality of Divine Liturgy (or Qorbono) in our Maronite faith, and Jesus’
complete self-offering. I loved the fact that the children embraced the Syriac
roots of our faith.
I might also
mention that in my second week I had my first taste of delicious roasted turkey
cooked to perfection by Mother Marla Marie. It was such a delight to celebrate
my first Thanksgiving with the Sisters. The third week was filled with mission
events. The Maronite Servants hosted and facilitated bible sharing for couples
at the home of a parishioner.
A couple of days
later, Mother Marla Marie, Sr. Therese Maria and myself, began a six-day silent
retreat. I must say I approached this retreat with some fear and nervousness. I
hadn’t been on retreat for years, and the last retreat I did participate in was
not a silent one. But I found it very peaceful, prayerful and full of many
graces and blessings. God is so good, but we need to listen to Him in the quiet
of our hearts. As soon as I had regained my vocal powers, I called my family
back home in Sydney, and my father could not believe that I had remained silent
for six days.
On the Sunday following
our retreat, December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, I witnessed Sr.
Therese Maria renew her vows during the Divine Liturgy at Our Lady of Purgatory
Parish, New Bedford. It was a great honour for me to see this and the pure joy
on Sr. Therese Maria’s face as she renewed her “yes” to Christ. I could see and
feel the elation and jubilation in the Sisters and it spoke to me in volumes.
In the evening, the
Sisters hosted the monthly Ramsho and Supper gathering at the Mother of the
Light Convent. I met some of lovely parishioners from Our Lady of the Cedars
Maronite Parish in Boston and from the local Catholic Church, St Julie
Billiart. These parishioners joined us for our Maronite evening prayer (ramsho)
and a great supper with lots of fellowship and sharing.
Mother Marla Marie
has helped me in every way possible to discern my vocation. She has supported
and encouraged me throughout my discernment with regular spiritual
direction and has been very accommodating throughout both my visits
to the US. Indeed, Mother Marla Marie's unstinting support,
guidance and encouragement helped me a great deal in making the
commitment and saying "yes" to Jesus.
Well, four weeks
went quickly, but I am grateful to Mother Marla Marie and Sr. Therese Maria for
their great hospitality. I was at home, I felt at home, and I can’t wait to
come back home in the New Year and embark on the greatest adventure of my life
with Our Lord and Our Lady by my side. I ask you to remember me in prayer.
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