Oh, I am a great “baby-lover”! I can never get enough of them. So how do I handle this love? I introduce myself to new mothers when I see them in church. After Mass I check on their babies and often get to hold them. I especially love it when I am at Mass when a little one is baptized. I make sure that I make the sign of the cross on their foreheads and pray for them. I grew up in a large family and always had a baby to hold, to feed and even to change diapers! My sister was only 2 1/2 when I entered religious life and yes it was a big sacrifice for me.
To be honest, I have never had any difficulty not having my own children. One day many years ago now, I suddenly realized that no one would ever call me, “Nana”! It never occurred to me that no one would call me, “Mama”, but for some reason “Nana” struck me to the heart. It was an occasion to recommit myself to my vows. Usually I am so engaged in the everyday business of community life and all that entails that I don’t give it much thought. I find that living in the moment–a great grace–is a great help to keeping my focus on my relationship with God.
Sister Judith Ann
