Sr. Mary

Paw Paw, MI

23 years old

Sometimes you don’t know how you got somewhere until you look back at where you have been. That is how my journey to religious life was. It is as if I were a little child walking in the woods with Jesus. Like any child, I was often distracted by the things around me. Sometimes my little side adventures were harmless, and Jesus would just take my hand back and we would move on. Other times, they did cause me harm and I would go back to Jesus crying. He would just pick me up, comfort me, and carry me on the journey a little ways.

As early as I can remember, I have thought about being a sister. Growing up in a strong Catholic family, it was like second nature to consider it. My life was pretty smooth all through elementary, middle, and high school. I held on tight to Jesus’ hand throughout those times. Right after high school, I went out to Rhode Island and joined a lay order. I loved it! My spiritual life grew by leaps and bounds. As I was so new to the lay order, they thought I should wait and come back the following year. So I went back and held Jesus’ hand, and we continued to walk.

After this came my next adventure, one I am not proud of. Returning home, I realized life had changed. All my friends were living their college dreams; I was alone and didn’t know what to do. I eventually got a job, and because of my loneliness got mixed up in the wrong crowd. I lived a very worldly life for that year and was so unhappy. Not knowing where to turn, I ran back to Jesus, crying, and He held me tight.

Jesus and I finally ended up at Franciscan University, where He healed me and revealed His plan for me. I fell in love with Him and knew that He was all my heart desired. Jesus put the desire for religious life on my heart; I had no choice but say yes, because I love Him.