On November 17, 2022, the entrance into the pre-novitiate of Julienne Arame Ndiaye, originally from Dakar, was celebrated in Senegal. Julienne herself relates her entry into the family of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor...

I thank God for allowing me to take this first step into the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor family; may His Name be blessed now and forever.

The entrance into the pre-novitiate went very well, as it was a simple Franciscan style ceremony but was very lively. It began on Monday, November 14th with a Day of Recollection which I spent with Sister Sophie.

During this day, I was able to meditate on the word of God, read some of Mother Frances’ writings, entrust to the Lord the desire of my heart, take some time to listen and spend the end of the evening with Sr. Sophie.

On the morning of November 17th, as soon as I woke up, I started to feel joy in my heart. I was very happy and joyful because soon I was going to enter the family of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor for a new experience as a pre-novice. The ceremony started at 11:45 am in the chapel. 

There were the Sisters from Samine, 2 Sisters from Koungheul, 2 friends with whom I was at the Youth Centre, some Associates, 2 Oblate Fathers of Mary Immaculate and 2 members of my family.

From the beginning of the opening hymn, I felt very emotional and my heart was beating with never-ending joy.

During the ceremony I received the Congregational Constitutions and the medal of Mother Frances.

Smiling, I thanked the Lord in my heart for all I was experiencing. Joe Ndong gave me a beautiful homily full of advice and prayer. He suggested that I follow the example of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, as this was her feast day, who had great zeal and love in the service of the poor.

For me, the mass has been a time of thanksgiving to God for the desire he placed in my heart, for my experience in the Youth Centre, for my entry into the pre-novitiate and for what He will do for me. Following the mass, we shared a meal with the guests in all simplicity and fraternity.

The celebration ended with a short visit to Témento (a place of pilgrimage) where I prayed again and entrusted to the Blessed Virgin Mary "Our Lady of Peace" my formation and all the people who had contributed to the success of this day.
           

Julienne Arame Ndiaye

Published: August 8, 2023