A CONVERT’S Nov
Kim Long, Saint Mary of the Pines DRE & Convert
I
n the three plus decades since my coming into full communion with the Catholic Church, I have tried on many spiritual practices, some fit for a time, some seem to fit for life; novenas are one of those which seem to fit like the proverbial glove. I have several “go-to” novenas: Infant of Prague, St. Rita, Our Lady of Knock, and of course St. Brigid as well as The Holy Communion Novena. Along with the novena practice, I have reflected on a definition of conversion I had not heard until I studied in the RCIA process. Simply put, I was told, one definition of conversion is “a continual turning toward God.” I loved that explanation. Growing up as a Southern Baptist, I tended to think of conversion as a moment (although I hasten to add that I don’t think anyone taught this to me - it was just how I envisioned it), but now I began to settle in with this thought and began to view my life and every choice I made as something to either engage in or refrain from doing, and in that choice I was making a larger one. Was I turning toward or away from God? We are all still turning, a continual movement. We are all still being formed, shaped, and molded. We are still being converted. Recently I spoke with a friend who is also a convert and half heartedly joked that we should write our own version of a novena: a convert’s novena. Novena is Italian for nine. I have chosen to use 12 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
nine examples of my own experiences as a convert rather than the traditional nine days I have counted them as moments of turning - that continual conversion in which we are all engaged. Here is how I saw it unfold.
First Turning I am here!! Where to begin? How many times I have asked myself what is it that you want from me and looking skyward gently chide you that if you would just fax, phone, text, or email me I would do it! The uncertainty had me stalled. “O God of love and creation who knew me before I was formed in the womb, teach me what it means to know love and serve you so that I may be happy with you always. And maybe happy with who I have allowed myself to be as I allow your grace to work in me. Amen.” Pray one Our Father and one Glory Be.
Second Turning I am filled with such joy. People tell me this is the honeymoon period, but how can I ever feel otherwise when I know You love me so much. I cast my eager eyes around looking for ways to be a reflection of you, Lord. Here they come, some of the most negative people I have yet to meet. Here I am Lord, I come to do your will....but not here please!
“O God, please be gentle with me as I see how faint my heart is. Forgive my reluctance to be present to those whom I would rather avoid. O Father guide me to serve all of your people, not just those who are easy or pleasant. In the space of that realization help me know I am no different to some who encounter me on a day when the honeymoon feels chilly and distant.” Pray one Fatima prayer and one Act of Contrition.
Third Turning I feel so included, such a part of the Parish! We are baking for a celebration and I arrived early and stayed late. I laughed, measured, mixed, baked, cooled, and bagged what looked like hundreds of cookies. The women were amazing. In my mind’s eye we baked for you and those twelve disciples who always came back for seconds. Just like we do today. “O God of laughter and creation I thank you for this experience and as I reflect upon my day I see Your love revealed in this community, this kitchen, these women. I thank you for the opportunity to be part of Your plan. Amen. Pray an Act of Love. Pray another one.
Fourth Turning I feel so lost, where are you God? How can people be so cruel? Gossip found me and I let myself hear it. I feel
