This was very obvious in the way they tried to live their lives. And it made for a very organic passing on of the Faith. My most vivid memory was when they began attending Mass during the week. They longed to hear the Word of God and be fed by His Body and Blood – and their Sunday encounter with Christ was no longer enough for them. They never forced us to attend with them, but always loving encouraged us to go along.

But I am getting too wordy. I am supposed to be writing my vocation story – not my parent’s conversion. Right? However, I wouldn’t have a story to tell if it weren’t for their conversion. And they really go hand in hand. In my parent’s earnestness they arranged for my sister, Debbi, and I to attend a girl’s retreat put on by women religious not too far from our home in Delaware. They didn’t tell us ahead of time what was in store for us at the end of a late night drive, but when I woke up from the back seat of the car I saw a young Sister in full habit staring at me. That was the first time I had ever seen a nun in a habit. As I rose out of my stupor I can remember thinking, “Oh no! Mom!” Many retreats and a pilgrimage later I would be eternally grateful to my mom and dad for their “secret plan”. Those experiences changed my life and I was afforded the opportunity to travel to Fatima with these Sisters and Fr. Andrew Apostoli. It was in this holy place that I believe Our Lady planted the seed of my vocation in my heart. Although it would still take years of watering before it would bloom.

During my senior year of high school I dated a really great guy who was a few years older than me. My parents were good, but concerned that I was too young and too serious. They wanted me to keep my avenues open and would frequently encourage me not to get tied down too soon. My parents were really my heroes and I trusted them impeccably so I seriously pondered their words. And when I was honest with myself I felt restless. To this day I can’t explain it. After some prayer and thought though I decided to break up with my boyfriend. I wanted to continue as friends until after I graduated and finalized my college plans. I can laugh now, but at the time I was devastated when several weeks after I broke it off my ex-boyfriend called and told me he was joining the seminary. I was stunned. What was God doing?! And to be honest, until that point I had never personally known or had any friends who had pursued a religious vocation. But his decision was an awakening for me. I began thinking. So people like me really do this? People who also love the beach, swimming, ice cream and music? Wow! Okay, but not a girl who wants to swim in the Olympics, water ski at Sea World, open a home for unwed pregnant mothers, travel and visit exotic places, do a little missionary work on the side and eventually pursue a career as a foreign ambassador. Surely, not. Well, okay maybe I could give up all these dreams – but not my deepest longing of finding my Prince Charming and living happily ever after. No! I didn’t have a religious vocation. I couldn’t. I was certain God wanted me to be happy, and that just wasn’t on the list.

So, right before graduation, as I was pondering my options for college, an opportunity opened for me to go to Michigan and work with the respected Jesuit, Fr. John Hardon, from his tiny office in the heart of Detroit. I jumped on the chance to give some time to the Church which would also give me some time to decide what I wanted to do for college. Far away from everyone I loved and everything I was familiar with I was homesick and for the first time felt so alone and lonely. I began to find myself drawn to the adoration chapel close to where I worked. It’s rather simply now. It was nothing I did. He captured my heart and I fell in love. I found all my hopes and dreams fulfilled close to Him. I let go of my plans and entered into the greatest adventure of my life – discerning my call to a cloistered contemplative community. My friends and family were surprised, but I knew I had found my Prince Charming and I could give up everything to be with Him through the difficulties of life so I could have my hearts desire of living happily ever after….in eternity.