REGINA: Yes, makes sense that it would.
Sr. Emmanuel: The pivotal moment of my life occurred when I came to reside with my sister and her husband in Philadelphia. One extraordinary Sunday we decided to attend a Latin Mass. Immediately I was struck by the silence in the church and the reverence of the liturgy. The priest wore beautiful vestments while the choir sang heavenly music. I was spellbound and moved to tears. I knew at that moment that after a lifetime of searching I had finally found my heart’s desire.
REGINA: Whoa.
Sr. Emmanuel: One day after Mass I received a powerful grace. God was pursuing my soul and calling me to be His bride. Everything in my life up until this point was directing me to that end. I could not resist. I had to follow Him.
I needed to visit only one convent to discover His will. It was so clear and I was elated to have finally found where He wanted me to belong. I once more found my little Babe of Bethlehem and I was fully resolved never to
lose Him.
REGINA: What a story, Sister! And you, Sr Miriam Esther?
Sr. Miriam Esther: As a young girl raised in an orthodox Catholic home, I grew up in wonderful familiarity with the lives of the saints and the riches of the Faith. I always understood the purpose of the religious life within the Mystical Body of the Church — to be a sign of the primacy of spiritual things and to save souls through prayer, penance, teaching, and example. My parents encouraged me to remain open to that calling. However, in those years, I regarded it primarily as a sacrifice which one hoped to escape, but accepted staunchly if required.
REGINA: Really?
Sr. Miriam Esther: After graduating from high school, I attended Christendom College with plans to leave after one year and pursue a more practical degree from a secular university.
But, before long, the liberal arts — particularly philosophy and history — captivated my interest, so broadening and enriching my understanding of the Catholic tradition that I decided to stay and complete the Bachelor of Arts program there.
REGINA | 34