Summer is a busy time in the convent. Between retreats,
vacations, homevisit, feast day preparations, the Community is very active. As
a student Sister I am available during the summertime to cover for Sisters who
are on retreat etc. This is a great gift as I am able to get to know my Sisters
and get to experience how my Sisters make the merciful love of Christ visible.
By the time I head back to my convent in Ohio, I will have served in seven
different convents!
My current location is in Lincoln, Nebraska. Here our
Sisters serve at Bonacum House which is a home for retired priests. During my
time here one of the priests celebrated his 70th anniversary of
ordination. Wow! Seventy years is an impressive witness of fidelity. This is a
record for the Diocese of Lincoln. While Father's memory is showing signs of
his age (95), his love of God and his vocation continue to shine. When I asked
him how he would describe his priesthood, he responded with one word –
fulfillment. Later he added that it is a gift from God. As we continued talking
he began encouraging me in my own vocation. Father said that through my service
as a Sister, my own hands will participate in the work of God. If I do that, he
said I will do great things for Him. As I felt tears come to my eyes I knew
that I was not sent to Lincoln just to serve the priests. I was sent here to
receive.
During a homily that another priest gave to the Sisters
he told us to ask ourselves what animates our lives. Immediately the answer
“love of God” came to my mind. Regardless of where our summer schedules lead
us, we will encounter the love of God. This summer has been filled with many
reminders of His love for me. In particular, my time in Lincoln has reminded me
of the beauty of my vocation. Christ's love for me as His Bride is what
animates my life. I gave my yes almost five years ago, and I have learned that
it is in 'giving of ourselves that we receive.'
- Sister Teresa Maria, FSGM
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