Story of My Vocation
in the IHM Scranton
My story in this congregation starts with
the words expressed by Sister Ruth Harkins and Sister Mary
Jo Gallagher towards the end of my interview with them on
January 2, 2005, “It is a long Journey back Home.”
That is how I felt and continue feeling since the first
time I put my feet on these grounds, grounds that connect
me with my inner being, a heart shaped with the spirituality
of the IHM, a heart that has the IHM initials carved with
love and joy. Sharing with Ruth and Mary Jo in an atmosphere
of deep trust and solemn silence as they listened to what
I shared from my own personal story of my past years away
from religious life.
Following that interview, the next morning
I shared with Sister Mary Persico. This sharing really marked
the turning point for what I call a beautiful invitation
to be a Scranton IHM. This poem I wrote expresses what I
see in this community’s leadership:
|
In
All Simplicity, Leadership
She said, “Yes, Lord,”
squeezing God’s love for me
With nature’s pure capacity of service;
Serving God’s love with pure openness,
Embracing my brokenness, making it whole.
She made it all anew with pure simplicity,
Inviting me to serve the same way, with no questions.
Loving my being while I shared,
She shared God’s love for me in all simplicity.
In my heart I said, “Yes, Lord.”
|
The moment I surrendered to my deepest desire,
I felt the deepest peace and joy in my being. It was clear
in my heart that my vocation is to the Scranton IHM. Having
had experienced religious life as a Philadelphia IHM for
almost a decade (1984 - 1994), all my experiences that led
me to the decision to leave this special life and the nine
years that followed as a teacher in Peru, I consider these
years were years of growth.
I am a graduate of Villa Maria Academy (1978-Peru),
with a BA degree in pedagogical studies from Immaculata
College, PA (1987), and a masters degree in education, with
a concentration on assessing parents in the education of
their children (2004 - Univ. Complutence Madrid, site Lima
-Peru).
I worked as a lay teacher in a Catholic school
for boys, Santa Maria Marianistas from 1996 – 2006
and served there as a homeroom teacher, and also taught
English and religion. I was the eighth grade pastoral counselor.
While living and working in Lima, I met with
and shared with the Scranton IHM Sisters my desire to come
to the community. I entered the IHM Congregation on February
20, 2006.
As a candidate, I volunteer at Nativity of
Our Lord Parish. My work includes creating the Church bulletin
for the Latino parishioners and preparing a group to receive
the Sacrament of Confirmation. I am also a trained tutor
for SCOLA and I am presently teach ESL twice a week.
I have attended the spiritual formation updating
on Alphonsian Spirituality, studied the vow of obedience
and received spiritual guidance. I have participated in
all the community gatherings and celebrations.
This time as a candidate has provided me with
the chance to meet many sisters in the congregation. I have
learned more about the community’s concerns, made
new friends, and deepened my relationship with God.
