My journey to Religious Life was a remarkable one, marked by GOD’s great mercy and intervention. As the eldest child in my family that spoiled me with luxuries, I wasn’t raised with a strong spiritual foundation. In fact, prayer wasn’t a part of my life. However, everything changed when I attended a Retreat. The experience ignited a deep desire within me to pray and connect with GOD. As I began to cultivate a prayer life, an old dream resurfaced- to become a nun. Without hesitation, I sought GOD’s guidance, asking for specific five signs to lead me to the right Congregation. Miraculously, every sign was answered, guiding me to this CCR family.
The path wasn’t easy. My parents and relatives opposed my decision, leading me to leave home and face numerous challenges. I left my home on July 16, the feast Day of Mount Carmel, to join this Carmelite order. My parents, worried about my disappearance searched and found me. After some weeks I was brought home. My parents tracked me down, and I was confined to my room. Yet my faith remained strong, and I held onto the conviction that GOD would pave a way for me. Miraculously I managed to escape finding safety in the Convent. But my Father with his friend came and took me back from the convent, dragging me forcefully. Again I was locked up in my house, under keen observation, so watchful…. I prayed fervently. I strongly believed that my powerful GOD will do some miracles. I even told my father that I can even escape through the ventilation by the power of my GOD. Through my strong faith, again GOD has opened a way for me, and miraculously I escaped again. But this time my parents has filed a missing person’s case, which had led me to the police station. Despite these trails, GOD’s mercy sustained me. Through perseverance and faith, I overcame the obstacles and finally found my place in this congregation.
Even after embracing Religious life, I encountered numerous challenges. My health issues led some to doubt my ability to persevere, and plans were made to send me back. However, through fervent prayers, a miracle unfolded and I was allowed to profess my vows, becoming a member of the congregation.
Even on my profession day, I stood alone without my parents. But in the hindsight, I see GOD’s powerful hands at work. Circumstances beyond their control- a heavy downpour, slippery roads and a missed flight- prevented them from attending the function. Ultimately all these obstacles led to my freedom to profess. But one after the other, waves of pain and sorrow swept over me.
As a junior, I struggled silently with inner turmoil. Even my final profession brought no end to my trails, and years later, the weight of my struggles became almost unbearable. I felt an overwhelming urge to leave and returned home. Yet a deep sense of emptiness lingered within me. Seeking clarity, I attended a Retreat, and it was there that I rediscovered my true calling. I felt a deep calling from JESUS, reminding me that I was meant for this way of life as a Religious. Through the strong intervention of GOD, I returned to the Congregation.
There have been countless moments in my life where only GOD knows the truth. In times of pain and struggle, I would pray fervently to prove my innocence and reveal the truth. But often His response was silence. Yet, after years of waiting, I have come to understand that His silence was not abandonment, but preparation for a better plan. Today, I attribute my Vocation to GOD’s intervention and mercy. His guidance has been a constant source of strength, enabling me to persevere in this life of service and devotion.
When the world says ‘No’, JESUS says ‘YES’. When others doubt, He believes. When others let go, He holds me tighter. In His eyes I am “The Chosen”.
