LifeSigns, July-Aug 2012 - Sisters of the Holy Cross

new leaves: Formation
Deepening my relationship with God
LifeSigns ¡ july / august 2012
by Sister Esperanza Jacobo Acevedo
Reflecting on my novitiate experience during
these past two years, I feel very grateful to God
and to the Sisters of the Holy Cross for the
opportunity I had in the International Novitiate
program. It helped me to grow in many areas
of my life and developed my talents in ministry
and community. Nevertheless, most important
for me was the wonderful experience of God and
the opportunity to deepen my relationship with
him.
When I was told that my novitiate would be
in United States of America, I tried to prepare
myself in ways I thought would be helpful.
But I had no idea what to expect or how the
challenges of intercultural community living
— such as language, cultures, different kinds
of food, personalities, ways to pray, ways to eat,
and the many other challenges I experienced —
would change my point of view and the way I
related with God and with people. And I do not
know if there is anything at
all that can help one get
ready for it.
For me, many things
were new, but I think my
biggest challenge was to
overcome my fear, which
I expressed in ways like
uncertainty, judgment
and anxiety about the
unknown. Certainly,
practicing patience,
love and peace every
day is not an easy or
comfortable issue, but it
is very rewarding when I
reflect back and am able
to feel the faithfulness and grace of my God
in whom I trusted when I decided to come to
the novitiate to discern my vocation in Holy
Cross. I also am very grateful for my novitiate
community, formators, Leadership Team,
extended community of Saint Mary’s Convent,
and all the local convents for allowing me to be
part of their lives. I also am grateful for their
prayers, support and all their contributions to
make this experience possible, for the challenges
that helped me to grow, and for the prayers of all
my sisters around the world and especially for
the love each one of them shares with me.
One of the things I learned during my
novitiate time is that this is a lifetime process.
Therefore, as I start my life as a vowed woman
in the Church, I ask for your prayers that I
may continue deepening my relationship with
God, listening deeply and speaking clearly, and
growing in understanding of my commitment
to my loving God and in the meaning of
community and ministry.¡
During her three-month immersion experience in the novitiate, Sister Esperanza Jacobo
Acevedo taught in the school readiness program at Holy Cross Ministries in Salt Lake City,
Utah. Here she helps the children with an art project.
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