I was a Protestant until age 25 so I never discerned religious life. I had thought about becoming a missionary but opted for a career as a professional bass player and orchestra director instead.
I met Sister Rita, DLJC at the post office one day and a beautiful friendship emerged. I did volunteer work for the community and one day the Lord placed it on my heart to question my vocation. Eventually my desire for worldly things diminished and my sole desire became to be closer to the Lord. Then I read in a book “sometimes we don’t know our vocation until we meet
the person or the people we are supposed to spend the rest of our life with.” I found the people then discerned my vocation.
Most Special Moment
My wedding day (the day of my perpetual vows) included a moment where I was lying prostrate on the floor during the Litany of the Saints. One of my young nephews was close by and I heard him ask, “Mommy, is she dead?” On the contrary, I was very much alive! The scripture “the life I live now is not my own but Christ living in me” (Gal. 2:20) became very tangible. Yes, I was dead to self and rising to new life.
Words of Encouragement
In order to know with understanding what is, we need to also know what is
not. We know real joy when we have experienced sorrow. We know we are called to marriage when we know we are not called to religious life and vice versa. It is more than head thoughts. We must step out of the boat and actively seek the Lord’s will. Our call in life strengthens when we discern all vocations through prayer and growth in virtue.
