Our Sacred Story: My Experience at St. Bonaventure University

Written by Sr. Roseli -- Salvador Province (Presently studying in the United States)

When I was at St. Bonaventure University, I celebrated our Sacred Story. This was a unique experience. I felt many different emotions at the same time: Joy, Fear, Hope, Gratitude, Poverty, Patience, Faith and Love.

Sometimes I wanted to speak with our sisters, but I could not, because of the poverty of language. I felt joy in celebrating our Sacred Story together; living and feeling our internationality. I felt fear of not being able to learn our common language, because sometimes I didn't understand anything and I didn't have patience with myself. But all the time I felt that the sisters were very patient with me.

I felt gratitude for this rich opportunity of knowing more about the beginning of our Story and that Jesus showed me the way to Religious Life in this Congregation.

I felt love for our Congregation and our mission when I listened to the Sacred Stories in my heart. I felt faith that we'll grow in our mission, because all the Sisters of different countries have the same missionary vision. We want to improve our mission, looking to the testimony of the our co-founders.

When we had time to reflect about Mother Immaculata and how she understood her work in the Congregation's life, I remembered my story and some experiences that I lived during my novitiate. I think Mother Immaculata's illness and healing made her more sensitive with others people and it made her understand the mission of Jesus in her life.

We had the opportunity to talk about our missionary call and what helped us respond to the call. I talked with Sister Clare about my experience and she talked to me about hers.

I learned that we are different, but we have many things in common. Thank you, God! Thank you dears sisters for welcoming and helping me.