Responding yes

Yesterday was a joyous day for the Church. A young woman professed her first vows into the Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth. Sister Pia is a young woman who I have known since high school (if not before, I can't really remember now when I first met her). She was two years behind me and while we were never very close we were always friendly.

Two years ago no one was surprised when she announced that she was being called to enter the Religious Life. She has always been a quiet, peace-filled, joy-filled woman and when one attended Mass with her you could sense that she was truly one of God's chosen daughters.

Just under two years ago she received her religious name Sister Pia of John Paul. It's been a bit hard for all of us who know her to get used to this new name but it's finally "sinking in".

Yesterday she professed her first vows. While none of us were able to attend it was still such a spiritual blessing to be able to unite ourselves with her spiritually at that time. To keep her in our prayers in a very special way and knowing that she too was praying to her new Spouse for all of us.

I thank God for Sister Pia's responding yes to God's call. Her example of giving up everything for Him is truly inspiring. And the example of her parent's giving up their daughter is equally as inspiring. The Capuchin's seem to us to be very strict although it's all for the Lord. Sister Pia hasn't been able to come home since entering two years ago. Her parents aren't able to visit often and they are only able to talk to her for a half-hour each month.

Their courage and total trust in God in His plans for their daughter is beautiful to watch. They understand that she isn't really theirs; that she is God's daughter first. Their strong sense of faith and prayer is physically visible and I pray for them just as much as I pray for Sister Pia.

How blessed I am to know this family. How thankful I am for Sister Pia's prayers and for her courageous "yes" to God. I pray that everyone follow God's plans for their lives the way that she has. Trust in His Divine Providence for our lives is a great gift. And I pray for an increase of vocations to Religious Life.