Growing up in a small town in Nebraska, Linda was not afraid to be different from her peers. The vibrant faith of her family was the ideal setting for the seed of a religious vocation to grow. She was not afraid to practice her faith, or to open herself to a vocation as a religious. She was 19 when she answered God’s call.
Linda Kay Lukasiewicz was born in Grand Island, Nebraska and baptized a few weeks later. She was the second of four children, and her family lived on a farm in Farwell, Nebraska.
A combination of many influences led her to respond to a religious vocation. She attended a Catholic school until the sixth grade in a neighboring small town, where a favorite priest and religious sister greatly inspired her. They taught her how to listen to the voice of God through reading the Scriptures, how to impart Godâs love, and especially how to be a happy servant of God.
During her grade school years, both of Linda’s parents made a Cursillo. There were noticeable changes in their faith as a result of their Cursillo retreat experience, and this also had an impact on their children. Her parents became more spiritual and both lovingly served in their parish church.
Another source of great inspiration to Linda was her grandmother, who exemplified the Christian walk. From her grandmother, Linda learned a deep prayer life and how to have faith in God.
At age 17, Linda began to hear of and experience charismatic prayer meetings and Baptism in the Holy Spirit. It was in this time of preparation for Confirmation that Linda received a call in her life. She began to hear the Lord’s voice leading her in the direction of religious life. In her heart, she knew she needed to respond. There was always that voice that spoke to her heart, beckoning her to come. In the process of discernment, she immersed herself in the Sacraments and sought counsel from a couple of priests and religious. She had incredible support from her parents and her family. Saying ”yes” to the Lord in the religious life was a fulfillment of her baptismal call.
Soon afterward, Linda heard a religious sister speak at her parish church. This sister was speaking at Full Gospel Businessmen’s breakfasts and charismatic conferences. Linda went forward for prayer from this sister. When Linda told her about her vocational call, the sister told her about the Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ and gave her a community brochure. Linda came to the Disciples at age 19, and received the name Sister Lucy as a novice. She professed her first vows in 1984, and her final vows in 1988. She was elected Superior General for six years on January 21, 2002.
Mother Lucy’s greatest joy is praising the Lord and bringing people to a deeper realization of a great God who has a plan for their life. Her heart says, ”Lord, I am your servant. I have come to do Your will.”
