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Study in the Novitiate
In the area of studies we have classes on various topics such as:
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Human development
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Spirituality
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The Constitutions
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The Scriptures
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Latin American Church
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RSHM Spirituality
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Languages
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Guitar
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Art
We have also been helped to learn through personal research and private study. We have resources and time.
Human Development
We have covered many things in Human Development including: Personal development, Change and transition, Communication and dialogue, Group development, Sexuality, Relationships, Decision making, some work on cultures, values and types of intelligence, etc..
It is a very good and interesting area to explore. We believe this topic helped us to be attentive to and integrate growth in our lives as novices.
The Church in Latin America
We had an introduction on the five General Conferences of the Latin American Episcopate: 1955 to 2007
- The First General Conference of Latin American Bishops – Rio de Janeiro, 1955
- Second General Conference of Latin American Bishops – Medillin 1968
- Third General Conference of Latin American Bishops – Puebla, 1979
- Fourth General Conference of Latin American Bishops – Santo Domingo, 1992
- Fifth General Conference of Latin American Bishops and the Carribean – Aparecida (São Paulo), 2007
This study helped us to know a little better the Church in Brazil, it enlarged our horizons to the reality of all of Latin America.
Spirituality
We have had help on Personal and Community prayer, developing attitudes for Prayerful and Reflective living, Images of God, Spiritual direction, etc. There have been Classes on Afro-Brazilian Spirituality and we have done personal research and presentations in class on a variety of Spiritualities including the French School of Spirituality.
The Constitutions
On the Constitutions we have covered the Charism and Spirit of the Institute, Community and Community living, the Vows, and the functions of Government.
Gailhac and the RSHM Spirituality
It is interesting to know and to deepen the richness of our Spirituality. We acknowledge that the studying of and the research on other Spiritualities, has helped us to fully identify our RSHM Spirituality as different and unique. We have come to appreciate our own spirituality more through this study.
Languages
Language learning is exciting. The English speakers have been struggling with speaking and understanding Portuguese whereas the Portuguese speakers have no problem with Brazilian Portuguese. There have been some lessons in English and more regular lessons in Portuguese. We have some difficulty in communicating amongst ourselves.
Our communication has been facilitated through translations, that is, from English to Portuguese or vice versa by the sisters. We believe this helped to improve our communication and dialogue in the Novitiate.
Guitar
We learn to play Guitar twice a week. It seems we are doing fine and have sometimes helped during Liturgies.
Art
We have Art lessons whenever possible.
