Here we are. We started the year with a eight men entering the novitiate in August. Above are all eight of us plus our immediate superior, Fr. Anthony, in front of the main altar and reredos of St. Dominic's in San Francisco.

As is the Dominican custom, after the novices have been vested in their habits, it's time for a round of hugs. Thank goodness it's a private ceremony and only the OP family present - that line was frightening long, and then we had to do the opposite aisle! Whew! The night was memorable, but man was it exhausting.