ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE CONTEMPLATING A RELIGIOUS CALLING? Pray! You are ultimately "dating" Jesus and if you don't talk to Him in prayer you won't know the person you are marrying. I would include the sacraments here too; Mass (more than just Sunday if possible) and Confession are so important. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help in your discernment; I found that having a good spiritual director was particularly helpful in navigating the different movements of my heart and experiences in prayer. Basically, pray and have a mentor to help you as you face different questions and grow in love with Jesus!
HOW HAVE YOU FOUND JOY IN THE WORK/ SERVICE YOU HAVE CHOSEN? I've been privileged to serve students in Baton Rouge through monthly prayer and reflection with elementary and middle schoolers during Eucharistic adoration, as well as by attending the March for Life Pilgrimage with our high schoolers. These experiences have deeply expanded my heart to love God’s children as my own. A particular joy has been carrying others’ intentions in prayer. Our community’s spirituality focuses on freeing those in captivity—once done physically by our founders, now done spiritually through prayer and the Eucharist. Through the Liturgy of the Hours, daily Mass, and personal adoration, we lift up the needs of all who entrust their hearts to us. It's a sacred privilege to pray with and for them!
Read More: www.mercedariansisters.org