Sr. Teresa’s Story
I studied at St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, directed by the Holy Family Sisters. The idea of giving my life to God in Religious life sometimes came to me, but I did not give it much attention. When I was sixteen I had an interior assurance of the Presence of the Lord in the Eucharist during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the local Church. This made a deep impression on me, lingering within me.
I often sat looking at and listening to the Moyola river flowing along, tumbling and foaming over the weir at Newbridge and continuing with ever greater urgency to throw itself into Lough Neagh.This brought me beyond a source in the Sperrin Mountains and the lovely little “falls” to an understanding of God’s life in us.
This was strengthened by the study of the Gospel according to St. John in our Fifth Year in school. It was here that I reflected on the meaning of life, and felt more forcefully the call to give myself to God and the service of others in Religious life. It was an image of God’s grace which knows no obstacles when leading us to the fullness of life.
Each year we made a school retreat of three days. It was during the retreat in the final year that I picked up a little folder which showed the various works and vocations in the Holy Family. That is where I read about the Miraculous Benediction at the beginning of the Holy Family and the existence of a Convent of Contemplative Sisters. I felt that it was here that I could answer the call within me. I spoke to one of the Sisters and got more information about the Holy Family, its spirit and its varied works and missionary activity. The openness, family spirit and simplicity really attracted me.
Each day I rejoice to be a member of this large international, intercultural, inter-vocational Family where we can live as a sign of unity, sharing with and supporting one another in our zeal to make Jesus Christ known, to extend his Kingdom of love and communion in our world.
The daily Liturgy is a celebration of what Jesus Christ has done for us through his Incarnation, Death and Resurrection and the gift of the Spirit. Each night, we pray for one another in a moment of silence before leaving the Chapel, thus strengthening the unity which exists among us.
Although a Contemplative Sister, I remain open to world events and concerns. I can live at the heart of these situations, and pray for those who struggle to promote justice and peace. We have a common mission with the other members of the Family. We know they count on us but I, too, am stimulated by their missionary activity as well as by the numerous requests for prayer and the confidence that so many have in our Community. Our life says very simply that communion is possible.