For me, the call to religious life is a great gift from God. I was surprised when I heard in my heart the words of Jesus, "Follow me." I never thought that He would direct these words to me. I was imagining my future quite differently. I wanted to finish school, find a job, and have a family. At the end of my elementary education, I started to participate in the meetings of the youth group called Light-Life. It helped me in recognizing my vocation.
I was also participating in summer retreats organized by the same youth group. My relationship with God grew deeper and deeper. Jesus was a Mystery that I wanted to discover. I desired to look for Him, get to know Him, and invite Him to be the Lord of my everyday life. I was fifteen when, during prayer, I heard Jesus' calling, "Follow me." With time, these words became stronger. I had the desire to offer my whole life to God, to offer Him my time and my talents. I wanted to give Him everything and belong only to Him forever. After the elementary school, I went to high school. The years passed, but the words of Jesus were still alive in my heart. There were also moments of asking questions: Do you, God, really want me to follow you and give my life to you? Are you really calling me? I was afraid that, perhaps, I won't be able to rise to the challenge of such calling. Will I last? But, then I realized that I should take that risk even though, later, I could realize that it's not my way. I felt that it was worth to take a risk for Jesus. I knew that I could lose a lot if I don't follow Him. I said to Jesus, "Yes, I want to follow you. Such is an answer to your invitation, God. I entrust my life into your hands. You lead me wherever you want."
After receiving the high school diploma, I decided to join our congregation. I learned about it from one of our sisters. On my way to the postulate house, I felt the enormous peace and certainty that I'm going home.
I'm convinced more and more that the religious life is my way of life. I feel that the congregation is my home. I feel that I found my own place in this world. I feel as a Missionary Sister of the Holy Family. During the past few years of my religious life, God is the one leading me through many different situations, through joy and the pain, through difficult as well as joyous things in my vocation life. He shows me His great love and lets me to experience His presence in prayer as well as in the daily routine. I know whom I entrusted my life. I believe that I can count on Jesus always. If I was asked to choose my way of life one more time, I would choose the religious life without any hesitation. It's so worth it to answer to Christ's call and offer Him the whole life.
Junior Sister
(4 years in religious life)