The Vocation of Sr. Maria

Attending the dedication of the Carmelite Monastery in Guam led me on my quest to religious life as a Carmelite.  The Sodality from my village looked forward to this event.  Our visit with the Carmelite nuns was very joyous and enjoyable.  I returned home filled with desires to further explore that life.

Two weeks later, while driving back to my village, a gentle movement of grace from God urged me to make a turn up the hilly road to the Monastery.  The Prioress welcomed my unexpected visit and inquiries about Carmel. She gave me St. Therese’s Story of a Soul to read, and encouraged me to meet the five other local girls who had expressed interest in Carmel.  We did meet and shared our desires to serve God through a life of prayer.

With strong resolve and God’s gentle call within, I asked to enter Carmel and was accepted into the Monastery.  I still continue to hear this call every day in my heart: "Come follow Me.”