Taking advantage of several days of holiday, a group of girls participated in a vocational meeting in our house in Goiania, Brazil. It was a precious time to deepen the charism of Mother Frances and strengthen the ties of friendship among us and, above all, with Jesus. We spent days of joy dedicated to God, with moving moments, which allowed us to feel deeply touched and renewed in our souls.
Below are some testimonials from those who participated in the experience.
“It was my first vocational encounter, and I confess that it surprised me. At the beginning, I felt a mix of fear and joy, but soon I felt an internal movement of discovery Being with other people reminded me that my “paradise” is not the only one; other experiences exist and mine is inserted among theirs. It was the first step of the journey.”
“During this time, we were able to be ourselves, without fear of judgment, feeling closer to God. The “ice breaker” activities helped us to be in touch with one another, and the experiences the Sisters shared led us to reflect on our true vocation.”
“Far from the “noise” and routine, I was able to experience silence and contemplation, understanding better what God has in store for me. Sharing the reality of the Sisters’ community and of other young women was a moment of growth.”
“During this retreat, I understood that I have to put God at the center of my life. Many times I tried to please others and respond to their expectations, without paying attention to God’s will. The meeting with the Sisters helped me understand the importance of connecting with the Heart of Christ in my daily life—in my family, at my university, and in my youth group—to the point of discovering the call that I already carry within me. It is worth allowing Jesus to dwell in us.”
These were restorative days for the girls who participated, in which our charism and simple lifestyle were a source of inspiration and profound reflection. Together we perceived God’s love and the beauty of a life given to Him. We understood that everything depends on Him and that we have to trust fully in His plans.
With hearts filled with gratitude we closed these days with the certainty that the seed has been planted. We return to our realities with a renewed outlook and the desire to continue to listen to the voice of God in every little detail. May the charism of Mother Frances Schervier continue to illuminate our steps and cause our lives to flourish where the Lord plants them. Until our next encounter!
