phatmass phorum > A beautiful gift!

zunshynn

Mar 8 2006, 10:40 PM

My grandfather's sister was a Dominican prior to Vatican II, and unfortunately, she left soon after and then left the Church entirely for an evangelical church (though she's episcopalian now)

. But anyway, for a long time she really hated the Church--she couldn't talk about it rationally.

I guess she's softened up a bit now. She says her mind is a bit "warped" on the idea of me becoming a nun, but when she visited us for the first time this Christmas (the first time I really got to know her) we had some nice discussions about it. She thinks I'm a bit narrowminded (like about the priesthood being male and fidelity to the magisterium and stuff), but I think she really wants me to do what I think God wants me to do and she's been praying for me.

Anyway, yesterday she sent me a package of some stuff, and one of the things was a small sterling silver holy spirit medal that had been on the rosary attached to her habit when she was Sr. Mary Felice. I was so touched that she gave it to me. I couldn't believe she'd kept it all these years. Anyway... I was so floored. I just thought I'd share.

Pax Christi,
Jen

magnificat

Mar 8 2006, 10:43 PM

That's a beautiful story Jen! Well, maybe whenever you say the rosary on those beads, they'll be a special little tug on her heart to return home from Mary.

shortnun

Mar 8 2006, 10:46 PM

That is a beautiful story... it seems clear (at least to me) that the Holy Spirit is working in your relationship to help the other person see the face of Christ! Our God is an awesome God!!!

Laurentina1975

Mar 8 2006, 11:38 PM

QUOTE(zunshynn @ Mar 8 2006, 09:40 PM)

My grandfather's sister was a Dominican prior to Vatican II, and unfortunately, she left soon after and then left the Church entirely for an evangelical church (though she's episcopalian now)

. But anyway, for a long time she really hated the Church--she couldn't talk about it rationally.

I guess she's softened up a bit now. She says her mind is a bit "warped" on the idea of me becoming a nun, but when she visited us for the first time this Christmas (the first time I really got to know her) we had some nice discussions about it. She thinks I'm a bit narrowminded (like about the priesthood being male and fidelity to the magisterium and stuff), but I think she really wants me to do what I think God wants me to do and she's been praying for me.

Anyway, yesterday she sent me a package of some stuff, and one of the things was a small sterling silver holy spirit medal that had been on the rosary attached to her habit when she was Sr. Mary Felice. I was so touched that she gave it to me. I couldn't believe she'd kept it all these years. Anyway... I was so floored. I just thought I'd share.

Pax Christi,
Jen
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Hey Jen,

That is a cool story. My boss is an Episcopalian. He says a lot of "hurt Catholics" (whatever that means), convert to be Episcopalian.

Is your relative open to telling you why? I am just nosey and curious.
Did she tell you? Wow......

Well, peace and all good Jen,
Lauren

MC IMaGiNaZUN

Mar 9 2006, 06:47 PM

I wouldnt ask her outright why she left. She may feel that you are trying to shame her for leaving. (simply because you are choosing religious life.)

You can always ask her what she liked about the experience, and what she didnt like. You might find your answer there. It is a way to soften it up a bit, and probably get a less emotionally charged answer.