A vocation story that begins in high school
By Sister Dianna Higgins for the May 2, 2014 Catholic Star Herald
I am a Franciscan Missionary Sister of the Infant Jesus. I entered our community after finishing college and teaching school for a year, but my vocation story begins during my high school years. At that time I was searching for meaning in life, asking myself what I would make the reference point in my life. I realized that as a Christian, Jesus was my reference point and I would find meaning in life by following him, living a life like he did.
From the Scriptures we know that Jesus lived a poor life, a chaste life, and a life obedient to the will of his Father. I concluded that, for me, living a life like Jesus meant living a life of poverty, chastity and obedience, and the first seeds of a religious vocation started to grow.
I had a phenomenal religion teacher who helped me see that God is present in all of the events of our lives. He speaks to us in Scripture, through others, in everyday events, in music, in nature, in silence and in our hearts. I learned that prayer is about a relationship with one who loves us. Knowing and experiencing the love that Jesus had for me, I could only love him back. I loved going to Mass and receiving the Eucharist. I started reading the Bible.
During high school one of my friends invited me to go with her, the FMIJ sisters and some other teens to Planned Parenthood to pray the rosary to end abortion. That evening, I asked the sisters a lot of questions. Sister Theresa answered them all, and she invited me to join a Bible Study group she had begun with the other kids who came to the rosary rally.
For the rest of my high school years this thought of a vocation to religious life remained, but I had a lot of fear and insecurity. I didn’t think I was good enough, or holy enough. I thought I was too young for such a commitment. I had planned to go to college, and that’s what I did. I had hoped that college would fill my life so much that I would forget about the convent, but the thought remained. College was wonderful, but something was missing. There was still emptiness in my heart.
I had made a plan for my life of what I thought would make me happy: college, a teaching degree, a car, an apartment and a job. I figured once I had these things I would be happy. I rented the apartment, finished college, bought the car and began teaching. But the emptiness was still there.
That year I began a formation program with the sisters. I realized that the time I spent with the sisters was when I felt peaceful, joyful and fulfilled. I made a request to enter the community as a postulant the following year. I completed my postulancy and began novitiate. I learned about St. Francis and our foundress, Mother Mary Joseph Micarelli. I learned about the vows, prayed with the community and experienced life with the sisters. I discovered I was happy here. After completing novitiate, I made my first profession of vows.
I am grateful to the Lord for the gift of my vocation. I have experienced God working in all of the events and experiences in my life, in the good and beautiful moments, and also in the difficult moments. All of those experiences, both good and bad, have made me who I am, and I am grateful for them all. I love my sisters and my religious life. The Lord has given me beautiful ministries and opportunities to serve. I have learned so much and seen God’s presence in my life and the lives of many others. It has all been a gift and a blessing.
To those who may be thinking about religious life, I encourage you to take a risk and give it a try. The Lord will not disappoint you.
Sister Dianna Higgins, a Franciscan Missionary Sister of the Infant Jesus, is a religion teacher at Paul VI High School in Haddon Township.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? “Run in such a way so as to obtain the prize.”
In this passage from St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, we may be tempted to think that he is referring to a trophy or monetary prize when running a race. This is true for many races; however, the Camden Diocese’s iRace4Vocations offers the opportunity to seek a much more profound prize in life, learning about one’s vocation.
Running has been an important part of my life especially in high school and college. Now as a novice of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I am still able to run, but the prize is much different than any I have won before. When we discover our vocation in life, the prize comes to us day-by-day as we deepen our relationship with Jesus. God calls young people to consider a vocation to the priesthood, consecrated life, married life and the single life. This prize which St. Paul speaks of is within reach of all who strive for it.
I encourage you to join us as we seek the prize at the Second Annual iRace4Vocations in Sewell. The race takes place on Sunday, April 21, at Washington Lake Park. I look forward to participating in the race again this year as I witness to the vocation to which God has called me. It is a wonderful occasion to share in the companionship of people called to the various vocations in life. Take advantage of the opportunity to come out, run and learn of the endless possibilities that God offers you. Grab your sneakers, I’ll meet you there. Ready, set, go!
iRace4Vocations is an intergenerational event aimed at praying for and promoting vocations to the priesthood, religious life, married life and single life. This 5K run or 1.5 mile family walk will begin with a Mass for vocations celebrated by Bishop Dennis Sullivan and conclude with a barbecue and family entertainment such as face painting and balloon animals. Participants can register in person the day of the event.
Written for the Catholic Star Herald by Sister Melissa Marie Mastrangelo who is a novice for the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Apr
il 12, 2013
NEXT DATE: SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015
