THE JOY OF BEING A CCR
A Call, Gift and Service. God constantly calls us to be and to do.
It is a joy and privilege to be a member of the Congregation of the Carmelite Religious (CCR). Rooted in God’s unconditional love, we are called to embrace ourselves just as we are—authentic, selfless persons who build relationships and community. This is where true joy begins: in living as children of God, in communion with Him and one another. Ultimately, our joy flows from God Himself, who calls us from the moment He forms us in our mother’s womb until He calls us again into new life through the tomb.
As I reflect on my vocation, the Gospel passage that comes to mind is Luke 21:14. Jesus, observing people placing their offerings in the temple treasury, notices a poor widow who puts in two small coins. He says, “I tell you truly, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. For all these gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all she had to live on.” Like the widow, I too offer all I have to live on—my life, my vocation—both a gift and a grace. God looked up, noticed, and called me. And I believe He was the first person my parents introduced me to.
Jesus became a real presence in my life through my family. My mother’s deep faith, her constant memory of God’s actions in our lives, and my father’s zest for life and love for people nurtured in me a sense of God’s nearness. The Sacred Heart picture that adorned a prominent place in our home, the family Rosary, the candle lit for intentions at our home altar, and participation in the Eucharist—all of these made Jesus tangible. The seed of my vocation was sown here. Though nurturing that seed wasn’t always easy, my parents lovingly tended it with patience, faith, and sacrifice. A turning point in my journey was the painful loss of my cousin, Mr. Vincent George. His death confirmed my sense of God’s call.
Though I believe God called me even before I was born, I first consciously heard this call at the age of twelve. I recall vividly the day I was asked to teach Catechism to the seventh standard while still a ninth-standard student. God gave me the words, and I felt an indescribable joy. To look more like a teacher, I was asked to wear a saree. The CTC Sisters, especially my English teacher, Sr. Lucina, encouraged me and nurtured my desire to serve God. She often asked me to read at the Eucharistic celebrations. The school’s Manager, Sr. Assumpta, publicly appreciated me in front of the novices, saying how beautifully and meaningfully I read in English—though I was from a Malayalam medium background. Their affirmation strengthened my vocation.
God, whom I had come to believe dwelt within me, took hold of my heart. After my SSLC results, I planned to pursue my pre-degree. Outwardly, I appeared settled on that path, but inwardly, God was shaping me for something greater. His love began to permeate my entire being. The only fitting response to that love was to follow Him more radically. Thus, I decided to join the Congregation of the Carmelite Religious. You may wonder, “How did I know about the CCR Sisters?” My elder sister, Sr. Annie Varghese, was already a CCR Sister. I wrote to her expressing my desire to join. I also informed my uncle, Fr. Ossy Kalathil, OCD. My sister replied, cautioning me that the religious life was difficult and gently discouraging me from joining her congregation. But I persisted. I wrote back saying, “If you can persevere in this way of life, I too can.” Because of my determination, her Superior, Sr. Lawrence CCR, instructed her to write and tell me to come on June 30, 1981. I was overjoyed and prepared to leave for Tangassery, Quilon.
Before leaving, I began saying goodbye to family, friends, and neighbours. When I met my uncle, the priest, he revealed that he had drafted a letter for me to join the Visitation Convent in Kakkanad. He was about to post it when I arrived. What a divine coincidence! But I was certain—God was calling me to CCR. My uncle hesitated to send me to the same congregation as my sister, but I was unwavering in my desire. It was God’s call and my “determined determination,” as St. Teresa would say, that made the way clear despite the hurdles. On the eve of my departure, my second brother, Tomy Varghese, came with a form for my pre-degree admission. That was when I finally revealed my decision to become a nun. He was upset, but my resolve only deepened. I knew in my heart that I belonged to Jesus, my Spouse. By God’s grace, I can say today that I am truly happy—to be human, to be Christian, and even more, to be a Religious—a CCR. A religious person who is habitually joyful is a great witness and a rare gift—one we must constantly pray for.
As I look back over my life—from childhood through schooling, formation, and now consecrated life—I see the many teachers, priests, Sisters, and mentors whose influence shaped me. I am grateful for the grace of collaboration and companionship in the mission of the Church and for the opportunity to serve Christ in the CCR family.
May God be praised and glorified for the wonderful gift of vocation and consecrated life. I remain forever grateful to all who helped form me into who I am today. I conclude with the reassuring words of Psalm 23:4: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me.
