Last week a group of delightful young women from Marian High School visited the Motherhouse to learn about Sisters. We sat in little groups composed of Sisters and students who had brainstormed in their class and were ready with their questions as soon as we sat down. The same thing happened in each group I sat with. Almost immediately they jumped to the questions they really wanted to ask. “Have you ever been in love?” “Have you ever had sex?” The sisters gave very honest answers. One shared that she had really liked “the boys,” but it had only been “puppy love.” Another mentioned feeling a tug at her heart when she’s with her friends who have grandchildren, and another shared her struggle when she fell in love after she had entered religious life. Underlying the sisters’ stories was the sense that each had prayed with her feelings and discovered that this one love relationship was not what she was meant for. There was something missing.
As I prayed the next morning I realized that those young women had put their finger on the central question, love. Ultimately I guess I can only answer it for myself. Some other sisters may want to share their thoughts on the girls’ questions. Do I give up loving? No. Do I give up physical intimacy? Yes. Am I happy? Oh yes. How do I do this? From the beginning of religious life we are encouraged and led to prayer. As I have grown in prayer I have come to experience God at my very core, knowing and accepting me completely, and inviting me into deeper realtionship. In this is joy and peace. Don’t get me wrong. There are other supports in religious life, like good friends, passion for mission and community support, but this one is the key.
Thanks, girls, for asking the really big questions.
