SISTER M. THERESA MARGARET

One summer afternoon as I was feeling rather happy I went downtown to take the entrance test for the seventh grade when all of a sudden I noticed a convent across the street. Within moments I was ringing the front doorbell of the good sisters. My heart was beating very fast and I was nervous as I decided to ask for information. To my great disappointment, no one was home. Thus, my return trip was not too exciting. However, I attended school activities, finished school and enjoyed life with my family.

My desire to serve Jesus one more surfaced in my 18th year. I joined a charismatic group, attended and deeply enjoyed the nocturnal adoration, and assisted in various retreats. During this time I got acquainted with the Silesians Sisters, Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus and sisters for other congregations as well. When I read about the Carmelite Sisters and their love for the Blessed Sacrament and the service they render to the children and the aged, my heart burned very strongly and I wanted to know more about them and be one of them as soon as I could.

After the retreat, I talked with my family and with their support called Sister M. Fatima and Sister Maria in East Chicago, keeping in contact with them for the next three years. One of the Sisters suggested I visit our Sisters in San Antonio, Texas. The next day I called Sister M. Angela Therese who invited me to visit. What was I to do, not knowing the big city of San Antonio, but decided to venture out anyway. I found the convent after encountering some wrong turns. The Sisters were not at home, so I waited for them. I finally got to meet Sister M. Angela Therese and Sister M. Lucia and I was very happy. I was told to visit with Sister M. Michelle, the Provincial Superior, in Corpus Christi, and I must say, I felt very much at home.

When the week was over I returned home with my family but my heart was with the Sisters. Even my family saw a change in me. After spending some time with the sisters I was accepted as a candidate on July 27. My story is still unfolding before the Lord within the garden of Carmel.

Sister M. Theresa Margaret