I was baptized Julia Theresa Riley at St. John's Church in South Portland, Maine in 1938. The third youngest of nine children, I attended both public and Catholic schools. As a freshman at Cathedral High, while in the library, I saw a book of numerous religious communities explaining the work of each. The order that impressed me most was the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm. A picture of novices raking leaves caught my eye. Certainly the Holy Spirit was speaking to me through this book.
When I look back at my life, I realize it was my relationship with God that allowed Him to work through me. It was great growing up with five brothers and three sisters. Our home was a faith-filled Catholic home where religion was taught at an early age and was nurtured by my Irish Catholic parents. As children, we learned how to pray. My parents planted the seed; it was sown and watered in faith; and grew deeper because of their good example.
At first I felt I couldn't be a nun; I loved dancing and my family meant everything to me. However, in 1956 I attended a ceremony of Reception of Postulants into the Carmelite community and was very impressed to see the Sisters so happy and joyful. This was the start of my spiritual journey in Carmel for which I have been grateful ever since.
Our Lord's continued love for me, the grace of the Holy Spirit received through prayer, and a deep love for the Gospel has carried me through the years. My life of prayer and apostolic service to the elderly has been fulfilling and rewarding.
I have been enriched because of the "Yes" I gave to the call to minister to the frail and to my work as Pastoral Minister. As I look forward to joyfully celebrating my fiftieth Jubilee in 2007, I thank God each day for the blessings He has showered upon me.
Read The Sisters' Stories
Sister Brigid