I thought of becoming a sister when I was 18 yrs. old. Just the thought of it made me feel peaceful because I knew deep inside that it was to this way of life that God was calling me. The things of the world were not enough for me, even though I had an active social life. I somehow knew that my heart was meant for something greater, that my heart belonged to everybody not just one man if I had considered the married life. So the more I got involved in the Church, the more I realized that helping people and praying for them was what my heart was seeking because I was with God.

I got to know the Servants of Mary when one of them went to my parish for daily mass. Her white habit caught my attention because it reminded me of a nurse. I was considering studying nursing after high school, so the thought of being a sister and a nurse at the same time just seemed perfect for me because I am doing God’s will and doing what I like at the same time. When I got to know the sisters more, what impacted me the most was their free of charge ministry with the sick. Just to picture myself there at the bedside of the sick and at night time, where everything is peaceful and silent, was enough for me to say Yes and follow Christ. There is so much to learn from someone who is suffering from illness or an approaching death. You realize that this world is so temporary and when we die, we take nothing but only how much we have loved. And that is what is so fulfilling in the religious life. Your heart is free to love everyone with the love of Christ. It is as if you are so full of God’s love that you cannot hold any more in, so you just have to give it out, and that is the mission of a Servant of Mary, to bring Christ love to those she encounters.

My experience as a religious has been a thrilling adventure. Ever since I said Yes to God and decided that I wanted to be His forever, my life has purpose and meaning. Although I struggled to leave everything like family, friends, career opportunities etc. Jesus has given me everything a hundredfold back. I say this because my relationship with my family is more intimate and in a different level than before. Now I have new friends who are helping me achieve my goal; holiness, which is what everyone is called to be. Throughout these years as a consecrated woman, I have realized that Jesus has never left me alone. He called me to this way of life and He takes full responsibility in helping me with His grace to live it to the fullest. I also know that He considers my consent, He only wants my happiness and freedom, so I choose also to be responsible with this commitment I have made. And like all ways of life, we encounter difficulties and temptations, but it is not burdensome because we know He is there with a guiding hand.

Religious life has offered me the opportunity to grow because of its many challenges. It is hard to grow and mature being out there in the world. Consecrated life has helped me to become a responsible adult who wants to be faithful to what I am committed to; Christ. Even though we live in this world we are not of this world and this brings about many challenges. Our daily challenges are only opportunities to grow in His love and for love of neighbor so that one day we may all be with the One who is all love, Jesus.