Sister Anna Maria, formerly Francie O'Neill from Bracknagh, Rathangan, Co. Kildare speaks fondly of her many years within the order and recounts why she took the decision to join.

Its a great life

What I remember most is that I started to pray early in life. Noticing that, my mother would often say ' Francie will be a little nun ' but when I got to my teen years I used to say Francie will not be a little nun. I loved the dances, I was never so happy as twirling around at every dance, so much so my poor mother used to hide the dance posters destined for our shop window. I came to a sudden halt when my father was threatened with a serious illness, my prayers increased. I was devastated. I was now 25. At prayer one evening in the church, I felt a call to God. I realised then something was going on all the time in my head but I had not been listening.

I and my sister used to visit Graiguecullen, where my uncle was curate. He always said to be sure and visit the Poor Clares and it was this, that put the Poor Clares into my mind. When I told my family, they were up in arms at my decision, protesting that I was to delicate for that life !! But I stuck to my guns and entered and I never looked back.

It's a great life. How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me.

Words to Inspire

Speak Lord, your servant is listening. ( Samual 3 )