Sister John Elizabeth Callaghan The idea of becoming a religious started when I was young, but was a thought that I kept very much to myself. Both my mother and my father each had a sister in religious life giving me the opportunity to have contact with Sisters all of my life. In addition to my aunts, I attended schools and a summer camp run by the Felicians, Franciscans, Benedictines and Oblates.

More than anything else these women seemed to have a very happy, fulfilled life and they shared their joy generously with others. Over time, I felt an attraction to this type of life growing and deepening. Eventually, I volunteered as a counselor at a summer camp run by the Oblate Sisters. Through camp activities, casual discussions and working side by side with the Sisters, I gained a better understanding of this unique life style.

As I moved through my high school years, I considered several careers and areas of study in college. Still, the idea of being a religious was always present if only in the background. Perhaps the thought which prompted me to keep this option open was that I firmly believed God calls each person to some special vocation. Discerning what that call might be and following it was key to ultimately finding happiness and fulfillment.

Eventually, the gentle whisper in my heart could not be denied and I believed that God was calling me to follow Him as a consecrated religious. By this time, I loved the different communities I was in contact with, but felt in my heart that my call was to be an Oblate Sister of St. Francis de Sales.

Many years have passed since those days of asking God to let me know His plans and I am still amazed that He creates each one knowing what He desires for her. Then, in perhaps imperceptible ways, guides the soul to what He has planned for all eternity just waiting to see if her heart will open to His love.