Photos and videos: Miguela Xuereb

A group of young religious sisters from the Sisters of the Children of Jesus of the Sacred Heart have shared their personal journeys of vocational discernment, each a unique story of answering the Lord’s call.

Speaking to Newsbook Malta Sister Pefania Manige from Uganda revealed a childhood aspiration to join the police force. It was during school visits by religious sisters that she discovered women could live a consecrated life while also holding a profession. When she inquired if any were police officers, she was told there were none.

Providence intervened when a sister, hearing of her curiosity, invited her for a live-in experience. “I felt it was God, in His providence, who allowed that phone call,” she shared. That month-long stay became the foundation of her own ‘yes’, leading her to proclaim today, “I am a police of Christ, a soldier of Christ,” dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel and the good works of Jesus.

Sister Patricia Buam from India spoke of feeling the Lord’s call from a young age, influenced positively by the religious in her life. Reflecting on her formation in Malta, she described a “rich experience,” growing greatly through “prayer and spiritual classes.” Her message to those currently discerning is one of trust in divine timing: “Do not lose heart, be patient, trust in the Lord because His time is perfect.”

Echoing this sentiment, Sister Ropni Topna, also from India, emphasised that “the Lord has His own ways of calling us… He has a plan for us.” She urged perseverance and seeking guidance from those already walking the religious path.

Sister Olivia Mapfidza from Zimbabwe spoke of surrendering her own plans for study and marriage. “When I was before God,” she said, “I felt God was calling me to religious life because in my heart I felt a greater peace.”

These 17 sisters, who recently professed their vows, hail from five different countries, Tanzania, Uganda, India, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, and completed their formation in Malta. Their collective witness underscores the vibrant, universal call to consecrated life.

For anyone sensing a vocational call and seeking spiritual direction, contact the Vocations Centre at [email protected] or call 7996 4557.

Source: Newsbook.com.mt

Article written by Jurgen Balzan