7.05.2008

affifrmation

About a month ago I wrote my letter requesting to profess temporary vows as a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace. A few days after writing the actual letter, I wrote this on the blog:

Discernment in religious life is a community effort. The letter goes to our Congregation Leadership - I should have their answer within the month. The big date would be in October. This is but the first step of many into the deepest depths of the heart of Jesus. I'm happy to report that several days after writing and mailing the letter, my head and heart are still very much at peace with the decision.


I had a phone call this morning from Sr. Sheila, our Congregation Leader. She'll be sending the official letter in the mail, but wanted to let me know that the Congregation Council affirmed my request to profess vows!

I was reminded of when I got the call from Sr. Sheila more than two years ago telling me I'd been accepted to the Novitiate. So much has happened since then! Some of it hard and challenging, some of it fun, some of it enlightening, all of it transformative.

It's interesting ... I was really excited when I wrote my letter (the not being able to sleep kind of excited). Since then, I've been patiently waiting for the answer, fairly certain what the answer would be (and sleeping just fine thank you very much!). When Sheila called and even now, it's not so much excitement I feel as a general sense of rightness and happiness. My head and heart are still very much at peace with this decision, and for that I am very grateful.

Of course, I have until October 11th to get cold feet! :)

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Susan,

Congratulations!

Best wishes

Discerner from Down Under said...

Wow for first vows!!! Congratulations!!! :)

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news, congratulations!

Sister Juliet, RSCJ said...

Congratulations! It sounds like your feelings of deep peace are a further affirmation.

Many blessings on your continued journey!

s.d.

Unknown said...

Many blessings and congratulations Susan, it's an adventure but well worth it!
Sr. Mary Anselma OSB

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your acceptance for vows and may God bless you as you take the next step on your journey!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Susan! Margaret Anna and I are jumping for joy.
Terry

Anonymous said...

I am thrilled for you, Susan! Congratulations and know that you are in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Susan! Sometimes it seems so long ago since that first call from Sheila, doesn't it? And, sometimes it seems like yesterday. I'm happy to have been a part of that journey - for better or worse. Hang tough.
Blessings.

Anonymous said...

This comment is from Kazimer:

Hey Sister Susan:

Congratulations!

I read your great news here and also in Sister Julie's blog.

I thoroughly enjoy both blogs.

In reading other blogs written by younger women - of the non - religious / discerning type - I sense a longing and wrestling with life and its options for them.

And, in Sister Julie's or Sister Susan's ( can I preface Susan's name with Sister?) blog, there is a tendency of the younger ( however young is determined : under 36 yrs old?) view their world when their peers are thinking about grades, relationships, degrees and not even be aware of other life options in which to explore such as religious life.

Keep on reaching out Sisters and your fellow Sister Bloggers - - - the younger people ( and others not so young) have a hunger for the truth and a way to live their lives authentically.

p.s. I simply have to plug another Sister's blog : Sister Mary Martha ... she proves to me " It's hip to be square!".

Garpu said...

Congrats! Will it be open to the public?

Susan Rose Francois, CSJP said...

Everyone - see the separate thanks post above!

Garpu - the thing is, the ceremony is going to be at our Chapel which is kind of small. Sisters, family & close friends have first dibs on the available space ... But I'm thinking I'm going to talk my brother into videoing it so folks can see (and I can have the memento).

Unknown said...

Susan,

Congratulations!

I'll be keeping you in my prayers as you move close to vows and especially on Oct 11th.

Peace!

Garpu said...

Garpu - the thing is, the ceremony is going to be at our Chapel which is kind of small. Sisters, family & close friends have first dibs on the available space ...

Totally understandable! :)