As I was discerning...

Reflections from S. Laura....

As I was discerning religious life with the Sisters of Saint Francis in Millvale, Pennsylvania, I was captured by the sisters’ love of all people, God and creation. Their passionate zeal in following in the footsteps of Jesus was very clear to me the first couple times I met them. Their passion and love for our brother, Jesus was an inspiration to me as they would minister to the people of God and to each other. I have been co-ministers with my sisters as we serve the poor, the lonely, the broken, and those who thought their life was hopeless. I have watched and witnessed first hand as they served those whom Francis and Christ would also serve and extend their love to. I began to the see the face of Jesus in the sisters.

I also wanted to be that person who brought hope to those who needed to see that hope does exist. The sisters in my congregation have such profound faith in God. They have deep respect for all people and I, too, so desired to help those who are in need of God’s mercy. God was working in and through these Franciscan women and I, too, wanted to offer humble service to those in need. It was a beautiful meditation for me to witness the love the sisters had for each other, and the ways that they would care for one another as a mother cares for her child. (ER 9:11)

My love for God runs so deep that I wanted to serve Him in ways that only God can enable me to do. I so desired to be an instrument of hope, peace and light to the poor in the world. I wanted to be a part of the Franciscan family. I have been so blessed to be a part of this faith-filled community!

More reflections to come...stay tuned!