By Sr Theresa Maria Dao, a Sister of St Paul de Chartres
I have realised that accepting the Call to enter religious life at the age of 20 was the result of the gentle urging of the Holy Spirit rather than coming from my tough decisive personality, which is what I used to think.
Sr Theresa Maria Dao SPC (PHOTO: Supplied/Catholic Leader)
Almost 20 years into my formational journey as a Sister of Saint Paul de Chartres, I am forever grateful to the Maker who called me to belong totally to Him through the gift of Consecration.
This call also allows my journey of conversion to begin within, to learn from the life of Christ through the power of His Spirit. “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11:29, NRSV)
As the journey began, I heard the call of living the gentle life and being a spiritual mother to all, following in the footsteps of our patron St Paul, who was gentle like a mother with his fellow Christians. “While we were among you, we were as gentle as any nursing mother caring her little ones.” (1 Thess 2:7)
Learning to see the little me within the great landscape of grace and presence within which my short life enfolds, I can find rest in the Divine Mystery.
I feel the call to be a tiny seed to this symphony of Divine Will.
Little did I know the fruit of my consecration could further the kingdom of God in a miraculouSr Theres way when I say “Yes” to live for Him each day and reveal this gift of my own life to others.
Having the privilege of sharing my very life through the ministries to the children, young adults, families and elderly in aged care, I am filled with joy and my heart burns with love.
I cannot do much or minister with extraordinary gifts except offer the humble love of the beloved of God, and a gentle presence among many lives.
My tears of joy often come as I contemplate on the face of those I have met and the way I am being accepted just as I am.
Who am I that the Lord has poured out these blessings?
This reflection helps me to constantly claim my true identity as the beloved daughter of God. Thus, as the beloved, I am sent into the world to proclaim the “belovedness” of all people, “become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some.” (1 Cor 9:22).
With this gift of religious consecration and my baptismal consecration, I surrender myself to the Triune God in an act of pure love.
May my prayers, together with those who love me as I journey on, bring down the mercy of God who will transform me into one of those five wise virgins: with lamp filled with oil, and a heart set on fire with love, ready to enter the wedding chamber with my long-awaited Bridegroom – my Beloved. (Mt 25: 1-13).
This article appeared in The Catholic Leader’s National Vocations Week feature.