The Vocation of Sr. Ann

Becoming a religious was always in the back of my mind as I was growing up, but not in any way that entered into my day-to-day plans.

When I was finishing High School, I wanted to tell the Sisters who taught me, and whom I admired very much, that I felt called to enter their community, but somehow it didn’t seem to be God’s will for me. So I waited for Him to show me what He wanted me to do, and sought employment in my home city.

Several years passed and I was asked by a priest-friend to accompany him and two young ladies who were interested in religious life to visit Carmel . I thoroughly enjoyed the trip into the mountains but considered myself just an older companion to the two girls. I was present when the girls spoke with the Novice Mistress, but stayed in the background. To be honest, I was not much impressed with the way of life the Novice Mistress outlined.

The next morning I got up early for Mass, as I needed to pack for my first airplane flight to New York City.

In the midst of my happy activity, I recognized a stillness within myself and was drawn to kneel by my bed to pray silently. Deep within me I heard the word “ Carmel” as I united myself to Mary at the foot of the Cross. In this brief and simple experience, I knew what God wanted me to do – I was to become a Carmelite. I accepted His wish and know that He has been perfecting that call within me ever since.