Of the many questions that you folks asked of my IHM Sisters
(see Nun Questions) this one was one of the more difficult ones.
Have you ever experienced something that made you re-evaluate your vocation? How did you overcome that experience? (from mjpss)
It is a very good and important question, but I wasn’t sure that anyone would want to spontaneously answer the question — let alone on video camera! I think it’s a question that many people have on their minds, especially as they consider a vocation to religious life.
I am happy to say I was proven wrong because one of my IHM Sisters did step up and take this question on. I’ve watched this video at least a dozen times and am still blown away.
Sister Candyce Rekart, IHM, is a Catholic nun belonging to the Immaculate Heart of Mary congregation. Sister Candyce is a clinical psychologist ministering at Clinica de Salud Mental Inc. in Puerto Rico.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you Sister Candyce Rekart for such a touching and wonderful answer to such a hard question.
((hugs))
It was amazing. Candy is one of those people that when you are in the room with her, you can feel her light!
Thanks you Sister Candyce for speaking up, and Sister Julie for posting. It is eye-opening to know that these questions aren’t a one-time thing, that some people search and question every day in some way. Bless you all for choosing your vocation every day!
sr. candyce, thank you so much for answering my question.
“and i CHOOSE it…everyday.” wow. God bless you, sr!
So very well said, Sr. Candyce! That’s why I repeat my vows whenever I receive Communion. Part of our formula reads, “I choose Jesus.” Without that daily, concious recommitment, this way of life can be very difficult.
Denise, mjpss, and Another Sister Julie, CSSF — You know that’s something I only learned as I began discerning with the IHM Sisters. I remember my nun Margaret who was my “sponsor” to the Congregation telling me that anyone in a life commitment has to choose that relationship/commitment every day. I then asked her, “Margaret, you’ve been a nun for over 50 years! Do you still have to choose it every day?” She laughed in an affectionate way and assured me that while she does regularly recommit herself to this life, she’s pretty sure that religious life as an IHM Sister is for her! (big smile)
Like Another Sister Julie, I too make this a daily part of my life … this conscious choosing. It’s not because my (or anyone else’s) vocation is in question. Hardly. It’s being intentional, it’s remembering who you are — and whose you are. It’s about placing all things before God and trusting in God’s loving kindness and providential care.
We had 92 yr. old sister celebrating her 75th jubilee. When the retreat director met her, he took her hand and jokingly said, “Sister, I will pray for your perseverance.” She looked him straight in the eye and said, “Well, ya never know!”