Hearing His Call

Hearing and Responding To the Call to the Religious Life
March 21, 2008- Abbey Youth Fest 2009

The day started off really great with friends and the drive to the Abbey at ST. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College. The morning sessions were really great and Josh Blakesly had really powerful music. The meaningful part of the retreat began at Mass with the archbishop. Before Mass I remembered that I had the cross that Kyle had given me, so I put that on and immediately felt peace and comfort from the Holy Spirit. Then the mass started and the readings were beautiful. I remember before Mass started Josh quoted John 3:16 * For God so loved the world that he gave his holy son, so that none shall perish but all have eternal life.*

I found peace in that verse because it reminded me that Claire is in a better place. She is in the resting place of God.

Once communion was distributed my journey truly began. Once I received Jesus I knelt down and really focused on nothing but breathing. God took this opportunity to truly speak to my heart. His voice was so clear as He told me * Follow Me, Consecrate your life, Do not Be Afraid! * I was filled with joy and peace and happiness and comfort in knowing that God had called me to such a beautiful life.

He then asked me a question. * Will you follow me Now?* I responded with *Yes* As I was responding with Yes, The archbishop made an invitation for all those that are discerning or open to the vocation to the priesthood or religious life.

When I went up to the front and when the Archbishop was praying over me I truly experienced something that I never experienced before. It was as if Jesus Christ himself was standing in front of me with his hand on my forehead saying the prayers of the Archbishop over my life and my calling. His presence was so strong and so real. I felt complete peace and comfort in knowing that I was doing what God truly wanted for my life.

After the prayer the priest asked us to follow in the process out of mass and into a covered area where we were given packets of information and an opportunity to fill out an information card. I was able to visit more with Sister Pius from the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia. I met some amazing men of God who were also looking into the life of a religious or priest. I ran into Stephan Lefort as I was filling out information and It was such a blessing to catch up with him. Then came dinner and I was filled with so much joy. Then the vespers were beautifully sung.

Then a speaker came to talk about adoration and knowing that God is with us and it gave me great hope.

Then adoration started and I was very excited and a little bit nervous about what God had in store for this time. Once the monstrance was placed on the altar the camera zoomed into it and it was visible on the big screen. When I first started to pray, the holy spirit spoke through me and I said * Jesus My Beloved, To you I shall call my husband now, I love thee my Beloved Jesus Christ* I could not believe the words that were coming out of my mouth for the gave me such joy. I just kept my gaze on the Eucharist and continued to keep my prayer short and I repeated the words beloved.. I love thee.

My Husband my savior who died for me I love you. I realized then that the savior that died for me. That suffered for my eternal damnation has called me by name to become one with Him in marriage. In consecrating my life to Him in prayer, purity, study, community work. I was so overwhelmed that the savior who went through the worst torture of mankind and performed the most amazing miracle of all history as called me to be His. I am his beloved and He loves me so much.