My story begins like many others. I wondered as a young adult what my vocation in life would be. Would I be married and have a family or would I be a sister. I put the idea of entering the convent on the "back burner". I became a registered nurse and worked in that position very happily for a few years, but knew I wanted more for my life. I just was not fulfilled even though in the eyes of the world I had it all. There was still a deep longing for God and to be of service to Him, whatever that would mean and wherever it would take me. But, I was still afraid to step out in faith and trust in the Lord.
I was receiving spiritual direction from a priest and as time went on it became clearer that I needed to make a commitment to the Lord. My priest friend helped me make that decision without telling me what to do. I asked the Lord for a sign which community I should enter. As I was driving to work one morning, while stopped at traffic lights, I looked in my rear view mirror and saw two Carmelite sisters in the car behind me. Father had also been praying for me. He knew that this was the community I should enter and that God would lead me in the right direction. Coincidence or God-incidence? The Superior General just happened to be visiting the local community near where I was living in Ireland. I saw her the next day and the rest is history.
Since then I have never regretted my decision. There have been many challenges as there will always be in life. It has been very exciting. I have done things I never thought possible and I have never been bored! What sustains me is my prayer life and my relationship with Jesus. The strength and support of community is something that must be felt and experienced. It is difficult to put into words but, during difficult times, it is almost palpable. Community living is a challenge and a joy. We work, pray, laugh and cry together, sometimes all in the same day! That is the beauty of Religious Life and the reason why I am so happy. I can be fully human and hopefully empower other people to be all that God wants them to be. In conclusion, I thank God every day for the gift of my vocation because it is the most precious thing He has given me.
Read The Sisters' Stories
Sister Deirdre