True peace as a contemplative
Sr. Maria Francesca, PCPA, Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration

Ave Maria!   <script>

“How did you know?” is one of the most common questions when discussing vocations. The response I always got when I asked it myself was, “You just know.” It can be a difficult and confusing time trying
to figure out what God wants of you; there are so many decisions in each day. And then to think in terms of the rest of your life!

I wasn’t really open to a religious vocation until my first year at college. During that time the Lord placed the right people and events in my path that helped open my heart to His call. I have heard many a time that God places the desires in the depths of your heart only to fulfill them.

When I first heard of the contemplative life, I thought it was the most beautiful vocation. But I had much to learn before that particular vocation would become a reality for me.

One lesson was that our Lord was not asking me to sacrifice my happiness and purest desire. I looked at several active Orders but felt more and more that I wanted to pray for those who serve, to be a
missionary in the heart of the Church. I really thought my vocation would be at Carmel, or, I wanted it
to be. But I didn’t have true peace there, and I had to trust that our Father knew what was best for me. After giving it all to our Blessed Mother, I came to Hanceville, Alabama, to visit the Poor Clares of
Perpetual Adoration at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. After a few conversations and a visit with the Sisters, I felt in my heart the invitation of our Eucharistic Lord. All the unanswered questions
and fears didn’t matter so much because His peace was in my soul, a peace I could neither create nor deny--that is how I just knew.

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