ADVENTURES WITH THE LORD

Sister Bernadette Marie Donze, O.P.

Sister Bernadette Marie Donze, O.P. is a 2007 graduate of Valle Catholic High School. She is the daughter of Jim and Debbie Donze, and the sister of Bryan and Todd Donze. She recently relocated to Scotland and shared her adventures!

What drew you to Scotland?

One day an older gentleman walking on the streets of Scotland asked me this same question after noticing my American accent. I smiled and answered with one word, “Jesus.” He, along with many others, was surprised to learn that I did not choose or even volunteer to come to this beautiful, and at times dark and rainy, country. Rather, almost twelve years ago, I freely decided to not choose where I might live in the future when I publicly made vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, entrusting myself to Jesus through the hands of my religious superiors. With this choice, I began a great adventure with the Lord – a life lived totally for Him and His beloved people. So, what drew me to Scotland? Jesus and His love for the people of Scotland.

Can you tell us a little about your vocational journey and background?

Growing up in Sainte Genevieve in a loving Catholic family, I attended Catholic school at Saint Agnes and Valle Catholic High School. I always expected to stay close to home but was also intrigued to learn about the saints, some of whom were great missionaries to foreign lands. I marvelled at all that they left behind to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth through both their prayer and action. As a thirteen-year-old, I remember wondering if I would ever do anything to help people know Jesus’ love for them. Throughout high school, my faith was nurtured through youth group, religion classes, retreats, and the March for Life. It was on this latter trip that I first met one of our sisters. My weeks were busy with lots of studying, sports, time with friends, and school clubs, but some of my happiest memories were those spent praying in the adoration chapel in Sainte Genevieve, for it was here that I began to fall in love with the One who first loved me. Saint Augustine once said, “To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek Him the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest human achievement.” Near the end of my high school years, I began to understand these truths that Augustine identifies, so I sought to find a university where these things would be fostered. At Benedictine College, I found this divine romance and adventure in seeking Him. I joined a Bible study, began going to Mass and confession regularly, and spent a dedicated time each day in prayer. I had never been happier, but as I prayed, I realized that I wanted more, and that Jesus was calling me to something more. I wanted to radically follow Christ like the early Christians did, and after discerning with our community, I left college and began a new adventure with the Lord in Nashville as a religious sister.

PREVIOUS PAGE: HOPE BEACH WALK

TOP LEFT: CHAPEL AT GREYFRIARS

MIDDLE LEFT: LOCH NESS

BOTTOM LEFT: CULLEN BEACH WALK

RIGHT: SISTER DONZE, THIRD FROM LEFT, AT THE MISSION IN SCOTLAND

As a sister, where have you served?

After I spent several years in formation at our Motherhouse in Nashville where our community is based, I finished my elementary education degree. I then taught second grade for six years in both Indiana and Tennessee and assisted in our Vocation Office in Nashville.

Where are you living in Scotland?

Last August, I moved to Elgin, which is in the north-central part of Scotland, to serve alongside three other sisters. We are six miles from the North Sea and near the Highlands region, one of the most beautiful parts of all of Scotland. The convent we live in was originally built in 1479 and was used until around 1560, when Scotland outlawed the practice of Catholicism. In 1875, it was purchased and subsequently rebuilt for the use of the Sisters of Mercy. Our community has been here since 2013. It is incredible to live in such a historically rich and inspiring place!

What does a typical day look like?

Our day begins and ends with private and communal prayer. During the day, we attend Mass, plan for various events, host women and school groups at the convent, and spend time together as a community. In the afternoons and evenings, I assist in teaching our sacramental preparation classes and youth groups. Each week we serve children from the age of three all the way to adults. I love the experience of getting to know so many different people, learning about their culture and what is important to them, and sharing the Gospel with them.

Have you had much of a chance to travel while in Scotland? What are some of the places you’ve visited?

With our youth group and a group of young adult missionaries, I have travelled into the Highlands for retreats and pilgrimages. In August, I accompanied our youth to England for a Youth 2000 event at the beautiful Benedictine Abbey of Ampleforth. The sisters and I have also hiked several mountains, gone on beach walks, and taken short pilgrimages to local Catholic historic sites. Recently, when our sisters who also serve in various European countries were visiting Scotland for Christmas, we took them on a hike along Loch Ness, and while we did not spot the famous monster, we did enjoy the beautiful creation surrounding us on every side - even amidst a steady rain!

These experiences have helped to remind me that my entire life is a great journey to Heaven filled with many unexpected adventures, breath-taking vistas, and at times difficult challenges. One of my favorite authors, Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis wrote in his book On the Beatitudes, “Only adventuresome hearts are capable of following Jesus intimately.” Daily I am discovering this to be true. When we entrust ourselves to our loving God with an adventuresome heart, life is never boring, and you just might end up across the ocean in Scotland!