Both my father and mother came from a farming background. I grew up on a country farm and so was always very close to nature and the various sounds of animals and birds. I was the eldest of eight and christened Mary Christina.

I thank you Lord

My childhood was delightful and I recall it with warmth. There lived an elderly lady near to us who treated me as her little queen. This lovely lady brought me to school and spoilt me continuously. Shortly after making my first holy Communion, my school closed and I went to another further from my home. It meant long walks across fields before reaching the road. My sister was with me at this stage. I remember how we loved to arrive at school early, long before the teachers, so that we could play games.

When I left primary school I went to boarding school. In my fifth year I strongly considered a vocation to religious life. I was also at that time studying hard for my Leaving certificate examinations. In sixth year a number of Sisters from different congregations, particularly the Missions, came to my College. I was captivated by one congregation in particular. They were from Pakistan. I remember fondly the lovely habit they wore. I showed some of the literature and photos I had of these Sisters to my mother. Upon hearing about my intention of entering a congregation for the foreign missions, my mother said ' I do not think your Daddy would like you to go on the Missions '. I decided thus to consider a congregation who had teaching as their only apostolate. Eventually, I joined and after Novitiate I was trained as a primary teacher in Carysfort Training College. I was very happy and loved teaching but after some years I became aware that God had other plans for me. It was then I came to an enclosed order, the Poor Clares.

Every day I thank God for calling me to this way of life. I consider that my farming background, my love of nature, my experience as a teacher, to all have helped me in being able to live life to the best of my ability and I praise and thank God daily for my vocation. I have no regrets and would follow the same path were I to begin life again. I would encourage any girl who feels God is calling her to religious life to give herself wholeheartily to this way of life. My everlasting gratitude to God for my wonderful Parents.

Words to Inspire

I have called you by your name. You are mine ( Isaiah 43.1 )