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Anlar
Guest
What exactly had happened to you, why you even started discerning religious life? Did the thought just come out of the blue or when you begin to realize something?
- Status
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CarmeliteGirl25
Guest
I love these kind of questions. Really gets me thinking!
For me, I would have to say that my call to the religious life started presenting itself when I was at a retreat last year with the Franciscan Friars and Sisters and the Sisters of Life. I was just enamored with the sisters. I could not believe how joyful they were! I always imagined sisters/nuns to be “stuffed shirt conservatives” who were not usually seen by society. The only time I had ever seen one was at St. Vincent’s Hospital (I believe the sister belonged to the Daughters of Charity) but I did not talk to her as I was just passing by. Anyway, I started thinking about religious life and I could picture myself wearing a habit. I just brushed this off though as being a passing phase. But a few weeks went by and I was going nuts with the nagging feeling like I was forgetting something. So I explored religious life. I took a vocation match quiz on the Vision website, and it came up with several communities that I matched with. However, I really didn’t know what I was looking for. I believe, at the time, that I thought that it was my choice. I did not know that Jesus had the most say in the matter. So I forgot about it and started focusing on veterinary medicine (I love animals and I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 7).But then, I started talking to my now best friend on Facebook, and she told me that she was a candidate for the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus in St. Louis, MO. We got to talking and I realized over the course of a month that whenever we talked about religious life, I found myself wanting to explore it again. It took another month for me to finally start praying about it and I took it to adoration. I begged Jesus to tell me whether or not I was called to religious life because I was rather confused. I didn’t want to be a sister the whole time I was growing up. It never entered my mind. But here I was, and I could not forget it no matter how hard I tried. In the next few weeks, I went to adoration once more, and discovered that this pressing feeling was Jesus calling me to search again. He was, in fact, calling me to religious life. So, after much consideration and prayer, I started the search again.
I visited my friend’s order’s website and found myself drawn to the Carmelite spirituality. I knew that I worked well with the elderly, and that I loved kids (both their apostolates), so this seemed like the perfect fit. In August, I was able to go to St. Louis to meet them and meet my friend in person. It was a great time (except for the fact that I had a stomach bug, BLEH!) and I learned that I was right in pursuing the Carmelite way of life. But, I desired a deeper relationship with Christ, and although that community was beautiful, I didn’t feel like I was called home there. I left feeling rather upset, and I almost gave up again, but I really wanted to know what God wanted from me. I went again to adoration and asked Him. It took a while, but I started to think about the cloistered contemplative nuns. When I started the search, I emailed a few Discalced Carmelite communities, but they asked about my medical background and I told them about my history of depression. As a result, I was turned down by one community, and the other said that I didn’t have a genuine vocation after just one email. But, before I emailed them, I had emailed a community about 2.5 hours outside of my hometown. I told them about my history as well, and the prioress said this (in her own words):
“We have never turned anyone away because they had depression, to my knowledge. As long as the disorder is controlled with medication, and the young woman is competent enough to make rational decisions, we see no reason to turn someone away. Your disorder is not much different than someone having to take blood pressure medication or insulin for diabetes. From what you have said, your simple depression may go away. The important thing is that we try to let God be God.”
After receiving this message, my heart leapt for joy because I knew there was hope. I’ve kept in contact with their prioress and I’ve made the decision to visit them when she comes back from visiting other cloistered Carmels, and I will have a job. I am so excited!
I believe my vocation was created by Jesus and it was fostered through His gentle nudging and also through my best friend who introduced me to the Carmelite charism.
A
Anlar
Guest
hi carmelitegirl25,
wow… after reading your post I realized I haven’t done anything for my vocation.
There are two monasteries here in our town, the trappistine and poor clare and also a dominican convent… I have gone to the trappistine monastery only to celebrate mass but never have the courage to talk to anyone for spiritual direction. As for the dominicans, I studied their in high school and thought I do not fit in there same with the poor clare. I made all the conclusions without visiting any of them. I know I’ll see it clearly if I do, even just for direction. It’s just that my BIGGEST problem is to have the guts to approach them. I’m just so nervous to face and talk to them I bet I can’t talk well if they’ll ask me things.
I realized that in the end I’ll will have to face this but at this moment I still have some job to finish. I’m also feeling unhealthy, so things aren’t that clear for now (for myself). I trust things will unfold in His time.
Anyway, I started discerning when I began to realize a lot of things about life that hit me so hard. It’s like awakening from a deep sleep. And then now, I see everything has a connection. All I have to do although with difficulty is to be patient. It’s like He’s making me learn how to trust in Him amidst doubts or certain difficulties and be courageous enough to not surrender.
You’ve gone a long way on your vocation carmelitegirl25 and have bear a lot of hardships. God Bless You!
wow… after reading your post I realized I haven’t done anything for my vocation.
There are two monasteries here in our town, the trappistine and poor clare and also a dominican convent… I have gone to the trappistine monastery only to celebrate mass but never have the courage to talk to anyone for spiritual direction. As for the dominicans, I studied their in high school and thought I do not fit in there same with the poor clare. I made all the conclusions without visiting any of them. I know I’ll see it clearly if I do, even just for direction. It’s just that my BIGGEST problem is to have the guts to approach them. I’m just so nervous to face and talk to them I bet I can’t talk well if they’ll ask me things.
I realized that in the end I’ll will have to face this but at this moment I still have some job to finish. I’m also feeling unhealthy, so things aren’t that clear for now (for myself). I trust things will unfold in His time.
Anyway, I started discerning when I began to realize a lot of things about life that hit me so hard. It’s like awakening from a deep sleep. And then now, I see everything has a connection. All I have to do although with difficulty is to be patient. It’s like He’s making me learn how to trust in Him amidst doubts or certain difficulties and be courageous enough to not surrender.
You’ve gone a long way on your vocation carmelitegirl25 and have bear a lot of hardships. God Bless You!
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Inity
Guest
In the past - even not being active christian yet - I loked reading about early monks and fathers of Egyptian desert and Palestine. I alwayst felt mystically attracted to this life, dedicated to God and full of wonders. When I became practicing christian (I was baptized russian orthodox and for long time was in this church), I only started to like reading lives of saints more, and always was drawn to saints of monastic life (and also for the martyrs). These days - I was very young then - I considered going to monastery as equal option with marriage in the future. I early got a thought that one must want to give to God everything, and monastic life was a way to perfection. But I never really wanted to end up in orthodox monastery, because they are all cloistered/contemplative - and I wanted to live active life of a preacher.
I wasn’t really interested in boys, I never dated, and never really wanted marriage. I just believed that I have to marry “because everyone else does”. I came up with names for future children, and sometimes imagined possibly family life, but these pictures weren’t too bright and attractive. I didn’t care about finding a boyfriend; I believed, in the depths of my soul, that God will settle things according to His plan.
In 1992, I discovered life of saint Dominic and immediately became drawn to dominican spirituality. And when in 1994 we were in pilgrimage in Rome and stayed in the convent of dominican missionary sisters, I wondered if such a life is really my destiny. Active sisters’ congregations don’t exist in Orthodox tradition, but I wasn’t ready to unite with Catholic church yet. I just firmly believed that saint Dominic wants me to be in his Order. And I prayed to him “Don’t call me right now, please wait, because I’m not ready yet”. Before all, I had to finish my studies. And second, my father was strongly against religion, so he was a problem - I knew he will never let me go into a monastery. I wasn’t ready to leave my family. However, my parents both died soon, being still very young (please mention Lydia and Serge in your prayers for the departed someday!), and I was alone. This time, first time in my life, I started relationship with a man who promised me to marry me and became my fiance. I can’t say that I was in great love, but I knew he loved me, and I believed that we can build a fine family… but later, many cheats against me were discovered, and our relationship crashed. I just wanted to marry “because everyone have to” and because I wanted to continue the bloodline of my family - I was the only daughter… but, these were not enough reasons for getting married, to be honest.
Later I had a boyfriend, but our relationship lasted only for few months. He left me when I had really hard time and it was quite a betrayal. And since that, I didn’t really care about men, and wondered if I’d end up as an old maid. I started analyzing myself and I found that I’m not ready to become wife and raise children. This is just… not for me. And I still wanted something greater in my life. I still dreamed about monastery - though for long time I thought that I’m not worthy of becoming a sister. But finally this spring (I already was a catholic for three years) I discovered that being a dominican is still my deepest desire - and that I really have nothing that can keep me in that secular world.
It will be not easy as it happens to people from western countries - and I live in Russia! Most likely I will join a congregation in another country. I’m making contact with different dominican congregations, and I believe that I will find one I’m destined for.
I wasn’t really interested in boys, I never dated, and never really wanted marriage. I just believed that I have to marry “because everyone else does”. I came up with names for future children, and sometimes imagined possibly family life, but these pictures weren’t too bright and attractive. I didn’t care about finding a boyfriend; I believed, in the depths of my soul, that God will settle things according to His plan.
In 1992, I discovered life of saint Dominic and immediately became drawn to dominican spirituality. And when in 1994 we were in pilgrimage in Rome and stayed in the convent of dominican missionary sisters, I wondered if such a life is really my destiny. Active sisters’ congregations don’t exist in Orthodox tradition, but I wasn’t ready to unite with Catholic church yet. I just firmly believed that saint Dominic wants me to be in his Order. And I prayed to him “Don’t call me right now, please wait, because I’m not ready yet”. Before all, I had to finish my studies. And second, my father was strongly against religion, so he was a problem - I knew he will never let me go into a monastery. I wasn’t ready to leave my family. However, my parents both died soon, being still very young (please mention Lydia and Serge in your prayers for the departed someday!), and I was alone. This time, first time in my life, I started relationship with a man who promised me to marry me and became my fiance. I can’t say that I was in great love, but I knew he loved me, and I believed that we can build a fine family… but later, many cheats against me were discovered, and our relationship crashed. I just wanted to marry “because everyone have to” and because I wanted to continue the bloodline of my family - I was the only daughter… but, these were not enough reasons for getting married, to be honest.
Later I had a boyfriend, but our relationship lasted only for few months. He left me when I had really hard time and it was quite a betrayal. And since that, I didn’t really care about men, and wondered if I’d end up as an old maid. I started analyzing myself and I found that I’m not ready to become wife and raise children. This is just… not for me. And I still wanted something greater in my life. I still dreamed about monastery - though for long time I thought that I’m not worthy of becoming a sister. But finally this spring (I already was a catholic for three years) I discovered that being a dominican is still my deepest desire - and that I really have nothing that can keep me in that secular world.
It will be not easy as it happens to people from western countries - and I live in Russia! Most likely I will join a congregation in another country. I’m making contact with different dominican congregations, and I believe that I will find one I’m destined for.
C
CarmeliteGirl25
Guest
Thank you and God bless you too! It has not been easy. There are still days where I wonder why I was chosen when there are others in the world who could do it better than me. I am so weak! I can only imagine that Jesus wants me to help Him build up His Kingdom, and the task before me is one that He knows will make me truly happy. There are days, like yesterday, when I am so in love with Him and I am beaming! I just can’t help myself, LOL.hi carmelitegirl25,
wow… after reading your post I realized I haven’t done anything for my vocation.
There are two monasteries here in our town, the Trappistine and Poor Clare and also a Dominican convent… I have gone to the Trappistine monastery only to celebrate mass but never have the courage to talk to anyone for spiritual direction. As for the Dominicans, I studied their in high school and thought I do not fit in there same with the Poor Clare. I made all the conclusions without visiting any of them. I know I’ll see it clearly if I do, even just for direction. It’s just that my BIGGEST problem is to have the guts to approach them. I’m just so nervous to face and talk to them I bet I can’t talk well if they’ll ask me things.
I realized that in the end I’ll will have to face this but at this moment I still have some job to finish. I’m also feeling unhealthy, so things aren’t that clear for now (for myself). I trust things will unfold in His time.
Anyway, I started discerning when I began to realize a lot of things about life that hit me so hard. It’s like awakening from a deep sleep. And then now, I see everything has a connection. All I have to do although with difficulty is to be patient. It’s like He’s making me learn how to trust in Him amidst doubts or certain difficulties and be courageous enough to not surrender.
You’ve gone a long way on your vocation carmelitegirl25 and have bear a lot of hardships. God Bless You!
I, too, thought of marriage as my destiny because that’s all I had seen. I considered it the norm in society and it’s what everyone does. But, I have never really followed the set standard before. When I was younger, I did dream of getting married in the Cathedral to a nice Catholic man that I loved and having a big family of 6 kids. I even had some names picked out. I wanted to live in the country and have lots of pets (did I mention that I love animals? LOL). But slowly, that dream disappeared and I wanted more from life than the norm. I’ve never really been on any dates. I’ve never had a boyfriend (though there was one guy I dated who wanted to call me his girlfriend; we had only been dating for a week), and I really didn’t like dating that much. I have a healthy respect for men, so it’s not like I’m running away from anything.
My mom is having a tough time with it, though she’s trying her best to be supportive. My godmother/aunt is taking it very well, and she’s been the most supportive. I haven’t really told that many people. I’ve only told my mom, dad, sister, godmother/aunt and godfather/uncle, 2 other aunts, and my paternal grandmother. I haven’t experienced anyone trying to turn me away from it, so that is good.
I am really excited because I believe that I am going to be called to the monastery soon. I hope it will be the Savannah monastery that I’m in contact with! If not, I know Jesus has a different monastery/convent in mind.
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Inity
Guest
I told about my decision only to few people. I don’t have close relatives besides my uncle - who is true orthodox fanatic. We last talked by phone in 2006, and I mentioned that I joined catholic church - to what he responded that catholics are all heretics and would burn in hell (not exactly these word, but he meant it). After that, we didn’t talk… and I believe he will be most unpleased to know that I’m going to catholic monastery. I will inform him only when I would be already leaving for monastery - so he won’t do anything against it
And so, I told to few friends… one of them still thinks it’s a joke, other, imho, doesn’t believe that I’m serious… I mentioned going to monastery in my livejournal, but people there mostly didn’t notice. If I’d disappear from this world, only few friends would really care… and I can still write them letters
So I don’t have this struggling about leaving the family. And I know that my mother supported my wish to go to dominican monastery, though she didn’t like the idea of me leaving Orthodoxy. But she wished me best and she knew how deeply I loved st.Dominic and his Order…
Sometimes I feel like I’m placed into the “virtual” world… I don’t really believe that it’s happening seriously, that I’m really changing my life… but it’s gonna change. Secular life for me became truly meaningless. I only need to find a congregation for me… one that accepts women older than 30 (I’m 33 now… and when I meet 30 age limit, I feel almost angry!) But everything works according to God’s plan. I wasn’t ready to go in the monastery before. But now it’s the only way I want to follow.
And so, I told to few friends… one of them still thinks it’s a joke, other, imho, doesn’t believe that I’m serious… I mentioned going to monastery in my livejournal, but people there mostly didn’t notice. If I’d disappear from this world, only few friends would really care… and I can still write them letters
So I don’t have this struggling about leaving the family. And I know that my mother supported my wish to go to dominican monastery, though she didn’t like the idea of me leaving Orthodoxy. But she wished me best and she knew how deeply I loved st.Dominic and his Order…
Sometimes I feel like I’m placed into the “virtual” world… I don’t really believe that it’s happening seriously, that I’m really changing my life… but it’s gonna change. Secular life for me became truly meaningless. I only need to find a congregation for me… one that accepts women older than 30 (I’m 33 now… and when I meet 30 age limit, I feel almost angry!) But everything works according to God’s plan. I wasn’t ready to go in the monastery before. But now it’s the only way I want to follow.
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CarmeliteGirl25
Guest
It’s definitely hard, from what I hear, when you have people around you that are not the same religious background as you. My paternal grandmother and aunt, who know, are Baptists, but they both are very supportive. They only want me to be happy and they are into the idea of me serving God the rest of my life. I’ve got a few others in my family that are a different religion. One group doesn’t even attend church (sad, I know), my sister is non-denominational (but she was raised Catholic), another group is Baptist too. I really don’t want to tell everyone yet because I am worried about my maternal grandmother asking me a whole bunch of questions and I am not ready for that. But I will tell her before I goI told about my decision only to few people. I don’t have close relatives besides my uncle - who is true orthodox fanatic. We last talked by phone in 2006, and I mentioned that I joined catholic church - to what he responded that catholics are all heretics and would burn in hell (not exactly these word, but he meant it). After that, we didn’t talk… and I believe he will be most unpleased to know that I’m going to catholic monastery. I will inform him only when I would be already leaving for monastery - so he won’t do anything against it
And so, I told to few friends… one of them still thinks it’s a joke, other, imho, doesn’t believe that I’m serious… I mentioned going to monastery in my livejournal, but people there mostly didn’t notice. If I’d disappear from this world, only few friends would really care… and I can still write them letters
So I don’t have this struggling about leaving the family. And I know that my mother supported my wish to go to dominican monastery, though she didn’t like the idea of me leaving Orthodoxy. But she wished me best and she knew how deeply I loved st.Dominic and his Order…
Sometimes I feel like I’m placed into the “virtual” world… I don’t really believe that it’s happening seriously, that I’m really changing my life… but it’s gonna change. Secular life for me became truly meaningless. I only need to find a congregation for me… one that accepts women older than 30 (I’m 33 now… and when I meet 30 age limit, I feel almost angry!) But everything works according to God’s plan. I wasn’t ready to go in the monastery before. But now it’s the only way I want to follow.
Inity, are you looking only at monasteries in Europe? If you are considering America, I know of a few great Dominican active orders. I was considering both of them myself until I found out about the Carmelites. There is also a beautiful cloistered Dominican order here that I could send you a video about. It’s of an investiture ceremony (clothing day). It brought tears of joy to my eyes because I can’t wait to take that step!
- Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia (Nashville Dominicans)
They are a beautiful active order in Tennessee. nashvilledominican.org/Main.htm
(They have an age limit of 30, but will consider older vocations; if you told them your story and circumstances, they will probably understand) - Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist
sistersofmary.org/index.php
(like the Nashville Dominicans, they have an age limit of 32, but tell them your story too) - Dominican Sisters of the Heart of Jesus (Lockport Dominicans)
xanga.com/ldominican
Beautiful cloistered order; here is a link to the investiture video I talked about youtube.com/watch?v=QbWPoDYTfBc
(I don’t know what the age limit is there) since I couldn’t find their address listed anywhere, I had to look it up):
155 Church St
Lockport, LA 70374
USA
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Inity
Guest
Thank you, of course, but America seems to be unreachable for me. I think it will be just impossible to get US visa… I know how hard it is for those russians who want just to be tourists in US; they are heavily questioned to make sure they have no intention to stay in the US, and they need to prove that they will return back. And if someone wants to join the monastery, of course (s)he wants to stay! Inviting me into US for any congregation would most likely be a trouble (and I don’t want to be a trouble!), and, besides that, I’m not too rich to buy tickets to another continent. Travelling across Europe will be much cheaper.
I saw these websites while doing my web-search for dominican congregations. They are all great and I really envy to americans who may join them
I saw large list of dominican congregations at DSI website ( dsiop.org ), and I even wrote them a letter asking if they may recommend me a congregation, but got no reply…
I think that during my travel into Italy I will just try to visit as many monasteries as possible. May be I will send there letters prior to my travel - but most of the congregations don’t have websites and email, so it must be done via snail mail. And, I’ll start sending letters only when I learn some italian (I plan to study it during this winter). I have my story translated into italian, but to read the replies and to write something besides the story itself, I need to know the language myself (translating companies take too much money for their services! I’ve paid more than 100$ for getting my story (about 6 pages) translated!)
I put most of my hopes into Italy, there are many dominican congregations… and I always felt connected with that country, since I saw the S.Sisto monastery in Rome…
I was always amazed by profession ceremonies. There is one story connected to my vocation, that is rather funny and seems to be something like cute sign from heaven. When we were in Santa Sabina basilica (the “heart” of the Dominican order! and so my favoritest place in Rome), I browsed their gift/book store to buy something like prayer book in latin. I didn’t know latin too well, though. I suddenly felt attracted to one small latin book (pre-Vatican II, quite an antiquity!, containing text for some ceremony… I guessed that it might be a rite of profession for dominican friars, I was not sure, but grabbed it, and brought back to S.Sisto where we were staying. And, only couple of weeks later, I figured out that I actually bought a rite of profession for dominican sisters of third order regular exactly what I started dreaming about… so it was more than concidence, and I laughed at myself.
This book is still one of dearest souvenirs I have from Rome. When I was sad or depressed, I used to page through it and imagine my profession day. I believed that I will someday be connected to Dominican Order, I didn’t know how, but I hoped that I’ll find the way…
About the help you may do searching… if you look at DSIOP page with list of congregations, you’ll see that only few of them have websites. And there are no addresses or phones. But may be you’ll be able to find addresses of italian congregations that don’t have websites listed there. I guess that these congregations might be mentioned somewhere else. I don’t know if I should write to DSI again - they ignored my previous letter.
I’m looking only for apostolic sisters, or third order regular - not for cloistered nuns (second order). I’m more drawn to active life, than to contemplative life.
There is no rush, you may do the search when you have extra free time… as I said, I need to learn some italian before writing, anyway
I saw these websites while doing my web-search for dominican congregations. They are all great and I really envy to americans who may join them
I saw large list of dominican congregations at DSI website ( dsiop.org ), and I even wrote them a letter asking if they may recommend me a congregation, but got no reply…
I think that during my travel into Italy I will just try to visit as many monasteries as possible. May be I will send there letters prior to my travel - but most of the congregations don’t have websites and email, so it must be done via snail mail. And, I’ll start sending letters only when I learn some italian (I plan to study it during this winter). I have my story translated into italian, but to read the replies and to write something besides the story itself, I need to know the language myself (translating companies take too much money for their services! I’ve paid more than 100$ for getting my story (about 6 pages) translated!)
I put most of my hopes into Italy, there are many dominican congregations… and I always felt connected with that country, since I saw the S.Sisto monastery in Rome…
I was always amazed by profession ceremonies. There is one story connected to my vocation, that is rather funny and seems to be something like cute sign from heaven. When we were in Santa Sabina basilica (the “heart” of the Dominican order! and so my favoritest place in Rome), I browsed their gift/book store to buy something like prayer book in latin. I didn’t know latin too well, though. I suddenly felt attracted to one small latin book (pre-Vatican II, quite an antiquity!
, containing text for some ceremony… I guessed that it might be a rite of profession for dominican friars, I was not sure, but grabbed it, and brought back to S.Sisto where we were staying. And, only couple of weeks later, I figured out that I actually bought a rite of profession for dominican sisters of third order regular exactly what I started dreaming about… so it was more than concidence, and I laughed at myself.This book is still one of dearest souvenirs I have from Rome. When I was sad or depressed, I used to page through it and imagine my profession day. I believed that I will someday be connected to Dominican Order, I didn’t know how, but I hoped that I’ll find the way…
About the help you may do searching… if you look at DSIOP page with list of congregations, you’ll see that only few of them have websites. And there are no addresses or phones. But may be you’ll be able to find addresses of italian congregations that don’t have websites listed there. I guess that these congregations might be mentioned somewhere else. I don’t know if I should write to DSI again - they ignored my previous letter.
I’m looking only for apostolic sisters, or third order regular - not for cloistered nuns (second order). I’m more drawn to active life, than to contemplative life.
There is no rush, you may do the search when you have extra free time… as I said, I need to learn some italian before writing, anyway
C
CarmeliteGirl25
Guest
LOL, God really does have a sense of humor doesn’t he? That’s really neat that you found the profession book and didn’t even know it. It was probably one of the signs He gave you. Sounds like you are on the right tract to be a Dominican
I have some free time as I am waiting for my final course to begin for Nursing Assistant. I am taking preparation courses so I can get a career (I love health care anyways) so I can pay off my loans to the bank and also have a backup available in case I discover that the monastery I find is not right for me and I have to wait a bit longer. I don’t like to be sitting around doing nothing, so I thought this was a great idea. I finally got my completion certificates in the mail today from my school and I got an “A” on my transcript!!! God is telling me that I am moving in the right direction, too. I can feel it! I am so happy that everything is starting to change into positive and my life is going in the right way towards the future :extrahappy: I am super excited!
I will look for convents in Europe, especially in Italy. I kind of envy you in a way because you will be so close to the Vatican. I really want to go there, and visit St. Peter’s Basilica. Hopefully, you will be able to visit it. Are you going to try to visit the Pope? That would be very, very cool
As far as mailing the congregation list website again, I don’t know if they would be able to help you. They might only list the websites, and they may not want to give out any specific recommendations, especially if they haven’t met you in person. They might want to remain neutral and not appear to hold any bias for one specific community. Just a thought…
Have you talked to a spiritual director? If you haven’t, I would recommend that you get in touch with one and see if they can talk to you, learn of your history and where you feel God is calling you, and then see if they can make a recommendation. It’s always good to build up a reputation with a priest or a sister in case the convent you apply to requires a letter of recommendation. You might want to ask your parish priest at your Church if he can be your spiritual director and regular Confessor.
God bless you, Inity! I’ll be praying for you!
That’s really neat that you found the profession book and didn’t even know it. It was probably one of the signs He gave you. Sounds like you are on the right tract to be a Dominican I have some free time as I am waiting for my final course to begin for Nursing Assistant. I am taking preparation courses so I can get a career (I love health care anyways) so I can pay off my loans to the bank and also have a backup available in case I discover that the monastery I find is not right for me and I have to wait a bit longer. I don’t like to be sitting around doing nothing, so I thought this was a great idea. I finally got my completion certificates in the mail today from my school and I got an “A” on my transcript!!! God is telling me that I am moving in the right direction, too. I can feel it! I am so happy that everything is starting to change into positive and my life is going in the right way towards the future :extrahappy: I am super excited!
I will look for convents in Europe, especially in Italy. I kind of envy you in a way because you will be so close to the Vatican. I really want to go there, and visit St. Peter’s Basilica. Hopefully, you will be able to visit it. Are you going to try to visit the Pope? That would be very, very cool
As far as mailing the congregation list website again, I don’t know if they would be able to help you. They might only list the websites, and they may not want to give out any specific recommendations, especially if they haven’t met you in person. They might want to remain neutral and not appear to hold any bias for one specific community. Just a thought…
Have you talked to a spiritual director? If you haven’t, I would recommend that you get in touch with one and see if they can talk to you, learn of your history and where you feel God is calling you, and then see if they can make a recommendation. It’s always good to build up a reputation with a priest or a sister in case the convent you apply to requires a letter of recommendation. You might want to ask your parish priest at your Church if he can be your spiritual director and regular Confessor.
God bless you, Inity! I’ll be praying for you!
I
Inity
Guest
In the profession book, I have a bookmark with english saying on it: “Like a child, confide in God, your father. He will respond and work in you. He will do more than you ask”. In these words, I always was finding help and consolation. I think they are very true… so I wished to share them with you
What about jobs, I just got a new job recently. It’s quite simple and even monotonous (tech.support in a software company). I don’t have web access there, only email… so every day I email to myself daily readings from Liturgy of the Hours (I found great russian website that provides these texts), and pray in front a computer when I have free time (and the job is not very busy
I just want the time to run faster - I want to pay the rest of my debt soon and then start studying italian. I hope that I pass the test period and will be officially employed, finding new job again will be hard, and I hate running out of money and taking credits again. My debt is not too big - a bit less than 1000$ - but unfortunately I can’t get rid of it for very long time. This month I’m living mostly using money my friends give me. One of them received some money from the deceased grandmother, and gratefully will buy me winter clothes and shoes (I have none, and the shoes I’m currently wearing have holes in them, so I really need something to survive the harsh russian winter
Well, tomorrow we with my friend will go to catechization lesson. I mentioned earlier that we started taking course. First lesson was quite funny btw When the audience started asking questions, one man asked a priest what does he think about the Large Hadron Collider, and doesn’t it mean the end of the world? The priest said that he never heard about the LHC, and many of the people felt about him that he might be really happy in that ignorance And, he said not to worry about the Apocalypse
My friend’s deepest concern about christianity is the concept of reincarnation. She believes in that and hopes to be reincarnated in better world and better body… but last week I had the inspiration to talk with her about that subject. I said that concept of reincarnation is really harsh, because you have to forget everything about your “previous” life, and so in the new life you won’t remember anything, especially all the people you knew and loved… and it, for me, ruins all the meaning of life at all. She said she never thought about that in that aspect, and finally agreed with me that going to heaven would be better than to reincarnate
I really want her to convert. Unfortunately, she is not ready for a confession, she recognizes her sins but doesn’t feel sorry for them… and even if she wants to receive communion, she can’t. I hope that her heart will soften someday and she will understand the need for confession. She enjoyed being at Mass though, and this inspires me
And the day after tomorrow we’ll go shopping for winter clothes we need…
What about Italy, I truly believe this land is no less holy than Israel itself. So many holy places there, so many saints lived there, so many beautiful churches… I was very happy to be there, it’s one of my brightest and happiest memories. And we actually met the Pope (John Paul II!) in 1994…
It was great day and I really enjoy these memories. When our bus was preparing to leave the monastery and drive to the Vatican, we gathered in the garden. One of the sisters brought small russian flag - no idea where she took it… she offerred the flag to be taken with us, but no one wanted it. Then I grabbed it and decided that I would like some pictures of myself in front of St.Peter’s basilica. So we arrived at st.Peter’s square (there were 80 of us - most of us catholics and two orthodox, I and another girl) and our priest noticed me carrying the flag and said “Tanya has the flag - led her take the lead! Go ahead of everyone!” So I was suddenly “leading” the delegation and was quite excited by it. And, we, the russians, had the best places - in first rows of chairs in the large meeting hall - and because I was going first, I managed to sit in the best place in the first row!
It was told that five members of each delegation would be allowed to go and greet the Pope… I was asked if I want to be one of the five, and of course I wanted… but unfortunately, later it was announced that only three members of each delegation would go. So I only watched them from the distance. But I was happy anyway.
Later that day, we visited Apostle Paul’s basilica, and after that, we had solemn mass in Santa Sabina (the heart of Dominican order, you know). One member of our delegation received his baptism that day (if I remember correctly this was feast day of st.Hyacinth, dominican saint who founded monasteries in Poland and Russia), and we were allowed to sit at the choir (where actually only dominican friars sit). I was incredibly happy.
It was incredible pilgrimage! Only in Italy we visited Florence, Assisi, Siena, Bologna and Venice, and many churches and sanctuariums… I still can’t believe I was so lucky to be there! And it would be great to live in that country. Close to Vatican, and close to st.Dominic after all!
What about spiritual director, I was unlucky in finding a priest. I already asked our parish priest if he could be my spiritual director, and he refused. But I wonder, if a sister can become one? I know a sister who is my friend for long time and who might become a good guide… even if not a confessor
Keeping you in prayer!
What about jobs, I just got a new job recently. It’s quite simple and even monotonous (tech.support in a software company). I don’t have web access there, only email… so every day I email to myself daily readings from Liturgy of the Hours (I found great russian website that provides these texts), and pray in front a computer when I have free time (and the job is not very busy
I just want the time to run faster - I want to pay the rest of my debt soon and then start studying italian. I hope that I pass the test period and will be officially employed, finding new job again will be hard, and I hate running out of money and taking credits again. My debt is not too big - a bit less than 1000$ - but unfortunately I can’t get rid of it for very long time. This month I’m living mostly using money my friends give me. One of them received some money from the deceased grandmother, and gratefully will buy me winter clothes and shoes (I have none, and the shoes I’m currently wearing have holes in them, so I really need something to survive the harsh russian winter
Well, tomorrow we with my friend will go to catechization lesson. I mentioned earlier that we started taking course. First lesson was quite funny btw
When the audience started asking questions, one man asked a priest what does he think about the Large Hadron Collider, and doesn’t it mean the end of the world? The priest said that he never heard about the LHC, and many of the people felt about him that he might be really happy in that ignorance And, he said not to worry about the Apocalypse My friend’s deepest concern about christianity is the concept of reincarnation. She believes in that and hopes to be reincarnated in better world and better body… but last week I had the inspiration to talk with her about that subject. I said that concept of reincarnation is really harsh, because you have to forget everything about your “previous” life, and so in the new life you won’t remember anything, especially all the people you knew and loved… and it, for me, ruins all the meaning of life at all. She said she never thought about that in that aspect, and finally agreed with me that going to heaven would be better than to reincarnate
I really want her to convert. Unfortunately, she is not ready for a confession, she recognizes her sins but doesn’t feel sorry for them… and even if she wants to receive communion, she can’t. I hope that her heart will soften someday and she will understand the need for confession. She enjoyed being at Mass though, and this inspires me
And the day after tomorrow we’ll go shopping for winter clothes we need…
What about Italy, I truly believe this land is no less holy than Israel itself. So many holy places there, so many saints lived there, so many beautiful churches… I was very happy to be there, it’s one of my brightest and happiest memories. And we actually met the Pope (John Paul II!) in 1994…
It was great day and I really enjoy these memories. When our bus was preparing to leave the monastery and drive to the Vatican, we gathered in the garden. One of the sisters brought small russian flag - no idea where she took it… she offerred the flag to be taken with us, but no one wanted it. Then I grabbed it and decided that I would like some pictures of myself in front of St.Peter’s basilica. So we arrived at st.Peter’s square (there were 80 of us - most of us catholics and two orthodox, I and another girl) and our priest noticed me carrying the flag and said “Tanya has the flag - led her take the lead! Go ahead of everyone!” So I was suddenly “leading” the delegation and was quite excited by it. And, we, the russians, had the best places - in first rows of chairs in the large meeting hall - and because I was going first, I managed to sit in the best place in the first row!
It was told that five members of each delegation would be allowed to go and greet the Pope… I was asked if I want to be one of the five, and of course I wanted… but unfortunately, later it was announced that only three members of each delegation would go. So I only watched them from the distance. But I was happy anyway.
Later that day, we visited Apostle Paul’s basilica, and after that, we had solemn mass in Santa Sabina (the heart of Dominican order, you know). One member of our delegation received his baptism that day (if I remember correctly this was feast day of st.Hyacinth, dominican saint who founded monasteries in Poland and Russia), and we were allowed to sit at the choir (where actually only dominican friars sit). I was incredibly happy.
It was incredible pilgrimage! Only in Italy we visited Florence, Assisi, Siena, Bologna and Venice, and many churches and sanctuariums… I still can’t believe I was so lucky to be there! And it would be great to live in that country. Close to Vatican, and close to st.Dominic after all!
What about spiritual director, I was unlucky in finding a priest. I already asked our parish priest if he could be my spiritual director, and he refused. But I wonder, if a sister can become one? I know a sister who is my friend for long time and who might become a good guide… even if not a confessor
Keeping you in prayer!
C
CarmeliteGirl25
Guest
Those words on your bookmark are beautiful! Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing them
That is so wonderful that you were able to visit Italy and St. Peter’s Basilica. I really would love to go and see all the graves of the Apostles and the first Pope. That would be something! I also want to go to Ireland and Scotland. I would love to be able to visit St. Therese’s (my favorite Carmelite saint) home and monastery in Lisieux as well. But, alas, I don’t think I will be able to do all of these before I go to the cloister because I feel that moment is rapidly approaching. It will probably be only 1 or 2 years. I really do want to go to Ireland if nothing else. I want to be able say that I at least went there. I’ve always wanted to go there!
I really did want to travel the world. Not only to the places above, but to Australia, New Zealand, Egypt (to see the pyramids), Germany, England, Wales, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Nova Scotia, and South Africa (to see the lions). But, my desire to do God’s will has surpassed all this and that is my number 1 priority.
Also, about your S.D. question, sisters are allowed to be Spiritual Directors. They make good ones, from what I’ve heard. Hopefully she will be willing to help you!
Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing them That is so wonderful that you were able to visit Italy and St. Peter’s Basilica. I really would love to go and see all the graves of the Apostles and the first Pope. That would be something! I also want to go to Ireland and Scotland. I would love to be able to visit St. Therese’s (my favorite Carmelite saint) home and monastery in Lisieux as well. But, alas, I don’t think I will be able to do all of these before I go to the cloister because I feel that moment is rapidly approaching. It will probably be only 1 or 2 years. I really do want to go to Ireland if nothing else. I want to be able say that I at least went there. I’ve always wanted to go there!
I really did want to travel the world. Not only to the places above, but to Australia, New Zealand, Egypt (to see the pyramids), Germany, England, Wales, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Nova Scotia, and South Africa (to see the lions). But, my desire to do God’s will has surpassed all this and that is my number 1 priority.
Also, about your S.D. question, sisters are allowed to be Spiritual Directors. They make good ones, from what I’ve heard. Hopefully she will be willing to help you!
A
Anlar
Guest
Hi inity,
you are so blessed to go to Rome and see the Pope! Oh, I hope one day I can go there also… I also hope I’m not old enough… It’s so difficult to go abroad, cost a lot! cant even save for just an airfare…
That’s is so surprising that you bought a book without knowing that it is the one you long for. Everything really happens for a reason. God is always there and He’s been doing something in our lives. Perhaps in the near future we’ll know of His plans if we’ll obey the promptings of our heart in the present moment. Although with so much difficulty. I hope I can do that!
you are so blessed to go to Rome and see the Pope! Oh, I hope one day I can go there also… I also hope I’m not old enough…
It’s so difficult to go abroad, cost a lot! cant even save for just an airfare…That’s is so surprising that you bought a book without knowing that it is the one you long for. Everything really happens for a reason. God is always there and He’s been doing something in our lives. Perhaps in the near future we’ll know of His plans if we’ll obey the promptings of our heart in the present moment. Although with so much difficulty. I hope I can do that!
P
Poor_Clare_tobe
Guest
Anlar,
Before I share a bit of my journey?? I do hope that you will share a bit of your journey also??
If you are just beginning your journey and unsure there are some websites which may be of help.(Many listed on this website)
My journey is what one might call a two step one:
First: In 8th grade I decided I wanted to be a nun and go to a missionary country. That entailed converting… so fast forwarding to college]… In college I officially converted and began discernment. I looked into many different communites and rules to find which fit my temperament and had work in the ministry I felt called to. ( I love the Franciscans of course… but encourage you if you are feeling called to obtain a Spiritual Director and contact your Diocese’ Vocations Office as they can help you to find communities to visit and narrow your field a bit)
I found a new community of Franciscans and was with them and professed for close to 10 years before a major family obligation needed my help. ( By the way the community was not missionary but here in the states)
Second: Now as those obligations have passed I began my discernment once again thinking of entering another active order and yes looked at other rules and communities. Low and Behold… here I am looking at the contempletive life with the Poor Clares.
[Hope this is not to long winded… it is difficult to a journey of close to 35 years into a few paragraphs]*
Blessings of Peace and Good!
- Status