Revolution of Love.com
"You A Nun?"
By: Sr. Imelda Marie of the Most Holy Eucharist
photo: Sr. Imelda & Mother Angelica
Where to Start?
How does one begins a vocation story when they are not aware of when it started? I have been spending the last few days trying to figure it out so I decided to start at the age of sixteen. I distinctly remember the day I had a choice between a good and an evil. I also knew in my heart that whichever one I chose, it would decide my future. By the grace of God, I chose the good and I think that is where my vocation began to come alive.
Getting the Grade
When I was to start high school, my dad decided to put us into home school. I became very rebellious at the idea but he made this decision because I was beginning to make a lot of wrong choices. So at the beginning of 9th grade I began homeschooling. At the end of this year, I went to take the final test. As we pulled into the parking lot, my dad decided that I should take the 12th grade test instead of the 9th and so I did.
I remember looking at the questions and saying, "Lord, I do not even know what these questions mean. How am I to know the answer?" I began to fill in answers without reading the questions. When we went to find out the grades, I was so nervous and sure of failing. However, I was amazed to find out that I scored 1yr and 3months into college level. I relate this part, not because I am smart, but only to show you the mercy of God. Through this higher-grade average, I was able to get a scholarship to Magdalene College.
You A Nun?
At Magdalene I began to practice my faith with a little bit of zeal and I had my first encounter with my vocation. One morning during the second semester, I woke up and found myself crying. I hurried off to the Chapel and after praying I realized that I was called to give my life to Christ. I told one of the teachers there and she laughed and said, "You a Nun?? You'll never be a Nun." At the end of the college year, I left a few days early so that I could be home for my brother's graduation. Afterwards I went to stay with my two brothers in Alabama for two weeks.
During this time I could feel that something was about to happen, but I had no clue as to what. I knew that I did not want to go back to college. I also knew that marriage was not for me and yet I was not ready or willing to begin the search for the Monastery where I was to live out my life.
Trying to Get Off the Hook
After the two weeks stay with my brothers, I went to Birmingham, Alabama to spend the next two weeks with my friends and their mom, Mrs. Adele. About a week into my stay, I was waiting for my friend to come home from work so we could go to Mother Angelica's Live Show. In the meantime, Mrs. Adele asked me what I was going to do with my life. I told her I didn't know. She asked me if there was anyone I liked. I answered that there was. When she suggested I call him, I explained that I wouldn't because I was taught that the girl does not make the first move.
She then startled me by stating, "Rebecca (that is my baptismal name), you have a vocation!" My head spun. Me? A vocation? No way! Mrs. Adele remained resolute.
She continued, "Rebecca, either you talk to Mother Angelica or I will." I knew at this point that she was very serious and that if I did not talk to some nun, she would; and that scared me. I finally agreed to talk to Mother Gabrielle who is the Superior of the Sister Servants. I chose her because I knew that I would not be able to live their life and I would be off the hook.
At last, my friend came home and we went to the show. I knew one of the Sister Servants there so I spoke to her and requested a meeting with Mother Gabrielle. It was set for the next day - June 29 at 2:00 PM.
Kicking & Screaming
Here's where God really steps in! The next morning I went to 7:00 AM Mass with Mrs. Adele at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Irondale, Alabama. After Mass, I waited for Mrs. Adele to drive us back but she was lingering and would not leave right away. I was getting really nervous; I had a dreadful feeling that something fearful was about to happen!
Finally, Mrs. Adele came over and agreed to leave but at that exact moment the Sister I knew came out of the cloister on her way to the gift shop. Mrs. Adele grabbed her arm and said rather frantically, "Rebecca is going to meet with Mother Gabrielle this afternoon at 2:00 PM to see about entering there!" Well, the Sister had another plan entirely and literally grabbed my arm and exclaimed, "No! No! No!" She pulled me along as I yelled the whole way, "Leave me alone! Stop! What are you doing?" I couldn't believe it when she opened the door to a room where Mother Angelica was having a meeting. Sister explained to her, "Mother, I think we have a vocation here." Mother came to the door, looked at me and said, "Yes, to the Extern life now but later to the Cloister."
Finding My Purpose in Life
I will never forget that day because a weight fell off my shoulders and I felt so free. For the first time in my life, I felt like I had a purpose. I went into the room with Mother and as she talked about the life, I sat there holding a cup of orange juice. At one point, I ventured to protest by saying, "But I love children." She said, "Good, then you'll make a good religious." That was it… I entered that day and never went home.
That was June 29, 1994. Mrs. Adele called Mother Gabrielle to cancel my afternoon appointment. God is so good! He works with each soul where she is at and when she is ready! May you be filled with a desire to follow God wherever He calls you. He will always give you the grace needed to do His will.
For more information about Mother Angelica's Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Portsmouth, Ohio check out the RoL Vocation Page: Poor Clares or log onto their website at StJosephMonastery.com.
Copyright © 2006 St. Joseph Monastery
If you think God may be calling you to the religious life or the priesthood or you simply have questions, log onto www.vocation.com