The Journey of a Novice

that echoed with years of whispered prayers and the clatter of shoes in disciplined formation. At just seventeen, Emily crossed the threshold of t

to join the convent had been both her own and not her own. Her mother had whispered it into her spirit long before Emily truly understood the meaning of sacrifice or devo

the world outside the seminary had felt too large, too unkind, too unpredictable. Here

solve. Her black shoes crunched against the gravel as her eyes took in the lush courtyard-statues of saints standing like sentinels

ary?" a soft voice pulle

n a neat grey skirt and white blouse, the standa

ied, trying to ma

e girl said, rea

mi

gdalene is in the hall. S

ent of lemon polish and candle wax hung in the air. Nuns moved about quietly, some with books in hand, othe

Behind it stood a tall, stern-looking nun with kind eyes and a commanding presence. Her

via said, "this is Emil

a moment, her gaze softeni

rm but warm. "You've come at a special time. We are preparing for Lent

ike a sapling freshly planted in strange soil, rea

ease show her the way. Vespers begin

a whispered, "Don't worry, she only looks scary. She's ac

ined the walls, each with folded sheets and a wooden locker

r prayers, then Mass, breakfast, and classes.

ere, so still. A world away from the laughter and chaos of her siblings, the clang of po

rst solitary prayer within these walls. She whispered to God-not with boldness, but with a qu

chapel bell tolled.