H
HopefulForAcceptance
Guest
Had such a long, heartfelt story…but it was too long for the post limit 
so here’s the short version:
I am a somewhat older discerner (mid to late 30’s), and I have disabilities (of a variable nature…I use a power chair for longer distances, but can walk in my home. I have just had a hard, complicated life. I was called to vocation at 10 and 11 years of age, but felt I was surely too young to be correct (and was mocked at home for trying to put my pillowcase on my head as a “veil!”).
As I’ve gone through life - and ESPECIALLY as I’ve gone through late-onset disabilities - I feel as though I’ve lost my chance to become a Sister. I feel quite strongly called to evangelization as opposed to becoming a nun, focused more solely on contemplation…and am actually very much drawn to the Daughters of St. Paul. I feel that their charism of using modern media is actually a message that is quite workable as someone that has disabilities; as well, I am also drawn to being part of an order that wears a habit. As a younger person using a power chair, I already get glances and attention…why not use that to draw attention to God, instead?
How surprised would many be to see that a younger woman in a power chair was ALSO wearing a habit, smiling, full of the joy of knowing the Love of Christ? That she had, by choice, left behind a home and a relationship (yes, he’s aware of my calling) to serve God? I want to be able to use my conditions to help minister to those that often ONLY use books or the internet as a form of contact, due to their disabilities…and let them know that God does indeed still love them very much!
In studying the saints, I know that many were affected by illnesses and afflictions…but in current times, I feel that the disabled are cut off from the chance of living life as a vowed Religious. I know that there are examples of priests with disabilities, but despite what was put out by Pope Francis during the Year of Mercy, I feel that working to make the Sacraments “more available” to those with disabilities has seemed to mean in every way EXCEPT for Holy Orders.
I’ve looked into Third Orders, becoming a hermit, etc…and none of these things are what I feel called by God to do. I understand the concerns of the costs involved with disability, and at times the inability to do certain things, or the need for appointments here and there. However, I feel pulled to find a way to make this happen…I can’t imagine that God would give me such a strong call, only for me to have to say “I can’t.” I just can’t see that happening.
Does anyone have any advice…? Would it help if I had insurance, income, or other money available to offset the costs involved with disability over time? I know that the costs involved with disability are a factor in not allowing women with disabilities, or over a certain age, to enter into convents, as many are on a tight budget as it is.
so here’s the short version:I am a somewhat older discerner (mid to late 30’s), and I have disabilities (of a variable nature…I use a power chair for longer distances, but can walk in my home. I have just had a hard, complicated life. I was called to vocation at 10 and 11 years of age, but felt I was surely too young to be correct (and was mocked at home for trying to put my pillowcase on my head as a “veil!”).
As I’ve gone through life - and ESPECIALLY as I’ve gone through late-onset disabilities - I feel as though I’ve lost my chance to become a Sister. I feel quite strongly called to evangelization as opposed to becoming a nun, focused more solely on contemplation…and am actually very much drawn to the Daughters of St. Paul. I feel that their charism of using modern media is actually a message that is quite workable as someone that has disabilities; as well, I am also drawn to being part of an order that wears a habit. As a younger person using a power chair, I already get glances and attention…why not use that to draw attention to God, instead?
How surprised would many be to see that a younger woman in a power chair was ALSO wearing a habit, smiling, full of the joy of knowing the Love of Christ? That she had, by choice, left behind a home and a relationship (yes, he’s aware of my calling) to serve God? I want to be able to use my conditions to help minister to those that often ONLY use books or the internet as a form of contact, due to their disabilities…and let them know that God does indeed still love them very much!
In studying the saints, I know that many were affected by illnesses and afflictions…but in current times, I feel that the disabled are cut off from the chance of living life as a vowed Religious. I know that there are examples of priests with disabilities, but despite what was put out by Pope Francis during the Year of Mercy, I feel that working to make the Sacraments “more available” to those with disabilities has seemed to mean in every way EXCEPT for Holy Orders.
I’ve looked into Third Orders, becoming a hermit, etc…and none of these things are what I feel called by God to do. I understand the concerns of the costs involved with disability, and at times the inability to do certain things, or the need for appointments here and there. However, I feel pulled to find a way to make this happen…I can’t imagine that God would give me such a strong call, only for me to have to say “I can’t.” I just can’t see that happening.
Does anyone have any advice…? Would it help if I had insurance, income, or other money available to offset the costs involved with disability over time? I know that the costs involved with disability are a factor in not allowing women with disabilities, or over a certain age, to enter into convents, as many are on a tight budget as it is.
