Still a Resounding “Yes”

I came to the United States confident that I know what is good for me, what I want out of life, what will make me happy. Eager to immerse myself into my new environment, I enthusiastically participated in both academic and non-academic activities. Set to attain my long desired quest for higher learning, I thrust myself into the rhythm of College life because I wanted to excel. However, during my second year of College, I started becoming a little restless, it was like something was missing. At first I tried to dismiss the feeling, telling myself that I was probably too home sick, yet the feeling would not go away.

Back then, Sr. Mary Theresa Bowman CDP was volunteering at the Newman center of Berea college where I attended. As a great friend and mentor, she supported, still supports and encourages me. So I shared my thoughts with her, asking that she offer prayers for me. Gradually, I started feeling drawn to religious life once again and the thought of it always made me happy. As time went on, my discernment moved from prayer to action. I visited our sisters in Melbourne Ky, and again in 2009 for a “come and see” weekend. I decided to attend the event because I wanted to explore all my options. It obviously I found what my heart was seeking. Fast forward 7 years, and I am now in my second year of initial formation. 

It seems like a dream that I am through with my canonical year of Novitiate. So far, it has been an interesting journey of spiritual, social, psychological and communal growth for me. I am grateful that this journey has expanded my faith and broadened by understanding of what it means to be a twenty first century religious woman seeking membership in the United States. My journey has enabled me to have a deeper encounter with God through the spirituality of Blessed Jean Martin Moye and the charism of our foundation. On the whole, the joys and challenges gained this past year continue to strengthen my discernment and keep me grateful for all the people/events through which God has kept me steadfast.

I have experienced community as a place of laughter, celebrations and tears. Always eager to participate in the work of building God’s kingdom by proclaiming his gospel of love and compassion, this past year has enabled me to immerse myself into the rhythm of prayer, service and sharing community with all our amazing sisters and CDP community who daily continue to added value to my life. United in our common call, vision, and purpose, I am humbled to have the privilege to participate in sharing the great call of proclaiming the coming of the kingdom by making it present in and through us. I have learned so much this past year because I have been given everything I need to become a grounded, happy, vibrant future CDP. I am fortunate to be in a place where I have blossomed for God. As a woman of Providence, I continue to accept all from providence; experiences which proved that my trust in Providence is not in vain as well as challenges that help me unite my sufferings with that of Christ. I am at peace with everything because I know that my destiny is in God’s hands. By his grace, I can accept whatever comes as his will and in good faith repose my confidence in him.

While I remain grateful for this journey and hope that it continues, I am also at peace with whatever happens. Just like Fr. Moye said before leaving for China, I am at ease because I am in the hands of God and I have no doubt that Providence does indeed guide and direct everything. May it not be in vain that I seek the face of Providence because my intentions are pure. I hope that my journey continues to be full of adventure, compassion and strengthening of relationship much more than I can ask or imagine. I have made it this far only with the help of God who has kept me faithful through the practice of the evangelical councils, our fundamental virtues of simplicity, poverty, charity and abandonment to providence and my personal spiritual exercises. I am happy and always feel at home with our sisters because my heart is at peace, a tranquil peace that helps me know that I am in the right place. As I begin my Apostolic Novitiate with the Refugee Resettlement program at Ohio Catholic Charities, I urge you to pray that God may continue to help me remain open to his gifts shared and exchanged in this mystical continuum of love.