10: The Hijacked Letter
"Superiors and the Novice Master must always show towards the novices evangelical simplicity, kindness coupled with gentleness, and respect for their personality, in order to build up a climate of confidence, docility, and openness in which the Novice Master will be able to orientate their generosity toward a complete gift of themselves to the lord in faith, and gradually lead them by word and example to learn in the mystery of Christ Crucified the exigencies of authentic religious obedience." [from the Second Vatican Council, Instruction on the Renewal of Religious Life, 32. (2)] The above was part of many materials given to me for my religious formation, but was not, I'm sad to say, a healthy reflection of my actual experience with my Novice Master. Rather than encourage my confidence and show me kindness, gentleness, and respect, he instead treated me too often like an unwelcome stepson forced upon him against his wishes. When he was exceptionally kind and friendly...