My vocation story starts with arriving in the USA from the Philippines on Oct 3rd 1970, which back then was St. Therese’s Feast Day, unbeknownst to me! I came adamant to chase the American dream and live independently. I attended a retreat once with a Passionist Order in New York with my girlfriend, not looking for a specific congregation mind you, but just there to experience it. As I sat in a foyer I was looking through a Catholic Digest and at the very end in a tiny, tiny advertisement I saw the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus in Wauwatosa, WI. I was living in Skokie, IL at that time, about an hour and fifteen minutes away. I didn’t call right away, but kept the ad cut out in my wallet. In a leisurely length of time, my sister and brother-in-law eventually drove us to the Kenosha, WI convent one day to meet the Sisters halfway from us. Sr. Jacinta greeted us with a pleasant walk in the courtyard before an Our Lady of Fatima procession. Then I went back with the Sisters to Wauwatosa where the Provincial Motherhouse of the Northern Province is for a weekend visit with no interior commitment to anything. 

Years later, I was helping a retreat run by the Cenacle Sisters this time and heard a voice when I was in my room, “What are you doing with yourself?” Nobody was around. In fear, I asked one of the Sisters for help. She offered me a magazine to do volunteer work for various organizations. I was doing volunteer service in my area for years, specifically with the Legionary of Mary group in Illinois. Yes, I was dragging my feet in life doing what I thought was a good intention and opportunity for me at the time (nothing against volunteer work!). My longest and furthest stint was with the Kateri Tekakwitha Children’s Home in South Dakota (now a museum) with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. After an interview, I decided to accept and worked for two years with co-ed Native Americans. I really enjoyed serving them in their activities, school events and daily living.

After departing the reservation, my family and I went on vacation to San Francisco. During this time of supposed relaxation, in my heart’s uncertainty I prayed a Miraculous Medal Novena to discern joining Carmel DCJ. Family didn’t always share an encouraging word, perhaps they were more afraid for me than I was. They commented that I would be back or asked me why I would join this demanding state of life. “I think God is calling me,” I responded, standing ground for my heart’s desire. Back in Skokie, I called our convent again asking to visit Wauwatosa longer and afterward asked for entry. I got all the papers to enter, by this time in November, with hopes to enter by January 1st 1990 in order to fulfill the proper Postulancy time before Novitiate. Everything I had: jewelry, my car and living quarters was given to my family, much to their laughable delight. 

My only regret looking back was that I dilly-dallied in answering God’s call! I am grateful that He hounded me in my indecision. My story flows comparably with the Scripture parable of the hired laborers in the generous landowner’s vineyard (Mt 20: 1-16). This touching grace of being one of the last workers called at a late hour gave much peace to my heart in connection to God’s Divine Plan for me...for the glory of His Kingdom. Although I was an older vocation, “God is ever ancient and ever new” said St. Augustine. No matter which routes we travel, our good Heavenly Father loves us in ways we cannot comprehend!