Four women are taking the next steps in their Christian life through Vocation Brisbane’s Gratia program, which focuses on helping women discern their vocation, especially with an openness to religious life, reports The Catholic Leader.
Vocation Brisbane women’s discernment leader St Paul de Chartres Sister Theresa Maria Dao was proud of what the women in Gratia had accomplished in such a short amount of time.
Sr Theresa Maria Dao says a vocational journey begins with the freedom of God’s love. PHOTO: Catholic Leader.
She said it had been such a joy to accompany them, to meet with them and help them in their spiritual life.
She said the four women were part of a much larger group, about 50 Brisbane women, who were regularly in contact with Vocation Brisbane examining the possibility of religious life.
Sr Theresa Maria said a vocational journey begins with the freedom of God’s love.
“God’s love always comes first,” she said.
“Once a woman knows she is loved by God, her discernment is clearer… God’s love will free them to choose, God would always be there to support them – God’s love is our security.”
The Gratia program offers women four keys to discernment:
Real life ministry and service in a local parish
A mentor sister
Prayer and spiritual direction
Formation opportunities
Sr Theresa Maria said religious life was a special call to love and serve God.
“Religious life is a powerhouse of prayer,” she said.
“It is a visible sign of God’s love in the world, both through our life of prayer and our ministry.
“We make a difference in the school setting, in the playground, in hospitals, in aged care.”
She said women and men religious gave hope to many people.
“(Religious life) is a presence of hope and mercy, and if we are centred on Christ, we will bring the healing and mercy and hope to people,” she said.
Discerning religious life was also about finding a community that suited the individual, she said.
She said she worked closely with individuals to find a community that resonated with them in their culture and their charism.
This article by Joe Higgins was published in The Catholic Leader.