Greetings and peace! July 14, 2005
Wow! Six months have passed. I recall the fear, eagerness and awe when moving to Sydney. My intention was to listen to what God has to say about my Marist vocation or the possibility that I might be called for something else. My discerning weighed my soul, mood and attitude. I was so focused on “looking” and “listening” for vocational clues that I forgot that there were wonderful experiences of these past months. There were enjoyable moments of traveling to wonderful places, meeting diverse cultures and eating interesting tucker. I had a wonderful international birthday party coordinated by my fellow novices. Accordingly, the beautiful grace of being in Australia, living in an international community and exploring God was savored.
Looking back, the reality of discerning is why I am here. However, I am more open and grace filled to engage this process as a discerner. The moments here at the novitiate, around Ermington and throughout Sydney facilitate my willingness to be with God and live out His dream for me. I look forward to the next six months events. We, the novices, will have an eighteen day retreat of silence and stillness (St. Ignatius model). The Provincials will visit in August. Later in this winter season, we all will visit an Aborigines community.


Amendment: Wow! I did it. I was able to explore and savor solitude with the Lord and his solace for eighteen days. God’s grace to be contemplative definitely surprised me. I thought would explode or implode with boredom. However, the excitement of being in God’s love and with Fr. King’s guidance, he was our retreat director, liberated my joy of accepting God’s invitation to discern my life as a believer and Marist. I am more resolve in allowing my willingness to thrive and lessen more my willfulness. I believe my eagerness, stubbornness and defensiveness clouded the graces within and around me to mature into a capable celibate minister. Now that God has quieted me and shown me how to “lessen”, I believe I am better at prudently serving and doing Mary’s work of her Son, our savior. Comtemproaries Through Christ, Randy

Lord has truly risen! Alleluia!
April 23, 2005
Easter season here in Australia happens during the fall season. Fall weather a bit balmy and reminds of an Indian summer in New York. The last time I wrote I was heading into my third month. So far, I have been stretched and challenged with these religious vows. The main reasons are the workshops on religious life, intense group sessions and one of our guys leaving. These reasons stirred reflections on my personal commitment and attentiveness to self-identity. Australians pride themselves as modest, down-to-earth and hardworking blokes. These characteristics aid in developing an honest authentic self-understanding and confidence. Being here, I am really lonely. That is why I must learn to draw on myself and God to stay connected to this honesty. In doing that work, I can sincerely embrace and accept the calls to be obedient, celibate and poor. This self-disclosure will further aid and enhances my faith in being called to the consecrated life.

Now, I am not just mulling and stewing in this self-discovery and ownership. There have been trips and dinners. Mid-March a Chilean family hosted me in Sydney. They escorted me throughout Millers Point, a section of Sydney and opened St Brigid a missionary parish of St Pats ( Marist spirtual epi center and oldest in the state). Two-weeks later Sydney had opened all its museums at night. Wow! It was a blast and the tour of the Crypt at Saint Mary Cathedral was aewsome. I have seen Tasmania, an island south of Sydney. Two planes to get there. The trip was to attend a Marist ordination of Kevin for Australian province. Thanks, Austrlian Province of your charity and hospitality. Daniel, a fellow novice, and I stayed with the Chen family. They were great hosts. While in Burnie, Tasmania, the novices explored the northern part of Tasmania. See the pictures. See the website for more pictures.

www.Mikeydownunder.com

Well I must go! Please respond! I miss you all but I know that through prayers and thoughts I can better deal with this loneliness.
For the greater service to our Lord and honor to His mother, Randy

The second month has finished and here is a recap. Late February was slow. The house basically settled into the novitiate program and Kairos. We had some chances to meet and greet some people over dinner. It was nice to have visitors because a hospitable vibe is fostered. Basically, I am at ease with the inhospitable Ermington and my fellow reserved fellow housemates. Australians are on the surface very hospitable but would rather keep to themselves. However, when they want to then be good on you and no worries to happen, they let loose.

This “looseness” happened three occasions. First, my birthday was a blast. The crew from J Dees café had a impromptu gift and party for me. Here at the house,Michael and Niall threw a party and gave me some touching gifts which brought some love into the house. I recieved some letters and gifts from the States. It is a great honor to be loved and remembered by these examples of generosities. Secondly, Marist at Saint Patrick’s in Sydney had a wonderful feast day celebrations with a Barbie and a sing along. Thirdly, the adventure of using State transit challenged my smile. The people on transport are not friendly. Yet, there was an outcry of laughter and joy that day. I guess the Lord of the Rings exhibit brings that out in people.

Well, I am off to prepare for Passion Week and Easter. I look forward for this retreat. My ability to love as Jesus and his Mother loved each other has waned.

Thank you, Friends, Angie and Mom through your letters in reminding me to be a better unconditional lover as God challenges us to be.