On this past Sunday, June 29, during Chapter our Brothers Charbel and Micah were clothed in the novice's habit. Charbel comes to us after working at L'Arche community in Florida; Brother Micah had just completed his master's degree in theology at Villanova.
O God, in that unutterable kindness by which you dispose all things sweetly and wisely, you gave us clothing, so that a triple benefit might be ours: we are covered with dignity, kept warm and protected in body and soul. Father, pour forth the blessing of your Holy Spirit upon us this morning and upon these clothes which your sons here before us have asked to receive, so that they may serve you faithfully in the Cistercian way of life.