Sister Joseph Anne Ricciardi Growing up in a close-knit Italian Parish in west Philadelphia had a strong impact on my life. Family life centered on the parish, Saint Donato. Our family of six lived on the first floor of a city duplex; my paternal grandmother lived on the second floor. Without a doubt my grandmother was a formative factor in my spiritual life. Regardless of the weather, she attended daily Mass before making her way to her job as a seamstress in a tailor shop. On Sundays she often spent the day in Church nourished by the numerous Masses. I spent countless hours with her, strengthened by her wisdom and sound advice. The values my grandmother shared live within me and continue to sustain me.

Family life took first place in the hearts of my parents. My mother dedicated her life to caring for her children and our home. My Dad taught us the values of hard work and sacrifice. He often challenged us to reach for the stars with his counsel, "Never say you can't do something until you have tried." As soon as he was old enough to work he cared for his parents and his younger siblings who were suffering the effects of the depression. This care continued after his marriage and as he began his own family. His close relationship with his mother taught him selfless love. Later in life, as he was suffering through his own illness and ultimate death, he continued to care for others, assuring the future security of his wife and children.

I first thought about being a religious when I was in high school but did not pursue it because I thought I was unworthy. So instead, after I graduated from high school, I entered the workforce beginning with banking followed by a thirty-year career working for a large department store. As a manager I was responsible for twenty-two workers and was offered the challenge of managing an entire department.

During these years of employment the thought of a religious vocation was in the back of my mind, but other events took center stage. Religion was still essential to me as I attended Mass, worked at the parish carnival, made regular visits to the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal and participated in retreats. However, caring for my godmother, with whom I lived for more than 25 years, was my primary concern. After her death God again nudged me to look more closely at his love for me and his desire for me to consecrate my life to him. Daily Mass and frequent Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament nourished my soul and made me aware of the void in my life, one that only Christ could fill. Job security, an offer of marriage, strong family ties and material possessions were important, but insufficient for the longing in my heart.

Although I was open to God's love for me, I continued to be guided by my thoughts of unworthiness. God's voice continued to beckon and I decided it was time to make the plunge. Although unable to swim, I dove head first into the conflicting thoughts in my mind and heart. Prayer to the Holy Spirit strengthened me and the prayer of my heart was addressed to him: "Holy Spirit, if you are really calling me to the religious life, if this is a true feeling from you, let me know." My age continued to confuse me along with my feelings of inadequacy. However, God's love is stronger that our doubts and he led me where he wanted me to go. The convent chapel next to the elementary school that my nephew attended offered the spiritual strength and the challenge I needed. One of the Oblate Sisters who was aware of my frequent visits approached me. She struck up a conversation asking me to tell her about myself. This initial conversation led me to reveal the urgings of God's grace in my heart. Sister invited me to attend upcoming ceremonies which confirmed my feelings. I had the opportunity to meet some of the Sisters in charge of formation and began a serious time of discernment with the Sisters. Eight months later, to the surprise of many family members and friends, I entered the postulancy of the Oblate Sisters and started down a path to begin a whole new life that cannot compare to anything else this side of Heaven.