Wow. So much happened last week, including a winter storm which left many, including me, without power for a few days. Being "powerless" was not entirely a bad thing.

But first--Mom. I received a call from my Mother last Monday saying that she would be flying in for a couple of days and asking to stay with me. Of course I said yes and when I returned from work on Tuesday, Mom was at my apartment. It seems that she and my sister noticed that I was a little "pensive" over Thanksgiving and decided that something was wrong. She said: I know something is going on with you. I just prayed silently...and was very scared of a scene. Then she said: You're going to the convent, aren't you? I nodded and she looked at me for a while. Next came: Talk to me. I need to understand. SO I did. I talked about the last six years of feeling called and being so upset by my family's reaction when I first mentioned it that I tried to fall in love and get married- twice- but couldn't say yes in the end. She asked if I had a community in mind so I showed her the Sisters' web-site and she spent an hour looking at it. Then we talked some more and I learned that I had a great-aunt--Mom's Aunt-- who was a Sister and who died during the Vietnam War. her name was Sister Mary Philomena. I couldn't believe it. More about her later. ANyways, we went to bed around 1:00am. The next morning I took Mom to breakfast and back to the airport. She told me not to worry--that when the time comes she'll deal with the family. That all she wants is for me to be happy. This is a miracle. I can't even describe her reactions the other times I tried to bring it up. Well of course I emailed Mother Wendy the good news-- with all the details too private for general sharing. Two days later I get a letter from Mother Wendy telling me that while in Italy last month, the sisters spent time at the shrine of a Saint they are devoted to--YOU GUESSED IT-- Sr. Mary Philomena. They were asked to take over the care of the shrine. They took relics and holy cards to their audience with the Holy Father to be blessed. ALso, SR. Mary Grace has quite a devotion to this Sr. M. Philomena and has been praying to her to send the community another Sr. M. Philomena. Now my great Aunt is not this Sr. M. Philomena but I just know--and Mother Wendy said the same thing...that she's been interceding in heaven for me all these years.

All this time I've been struggling so hard...and the Lord has turned it into a deep joy. I am so grateful. Thank Him with me. Please.

I told my Pastor on Saturday and he used the story--hiding the identity of those involved--for the Gaudete Sunday Homily. talking about how we wait in Joy for Joy. I could barely sing after that--and I had solo verses for the Communion Meditation- -because I cried all through his homily.

I have to go back to work. We still have 300,000 people in the Pacific Northwest without heat and light. Please keep them in your prayers.

On Dec. 30 I fly to Steubenville. But first we have Christmas.

Love and prayers,
Piamaria

What a blessing

What wonderous news! It only goes to show, that when the Lord does truly call, He will provide the way. It is our job to go forward, in total courage, even with our human doubts and just try to meet Him half way. I love the Sr. Philomena story....guess you have an idea what part of your new name will be in religion!!

This is wonderful news Pia. I'm so happy for you.

Thank you for sharing that story with us! It almost made me cry! What a miracle, and a blessing. God works for good for those who love Him.

Pax Christi,
D.

This fills me with so much hope - thank you so much for sharing your happy news with us.

Speaking as a mom, I'm soooo glad yours came through for you .

Which order Pia are you looking at?

How beautiful.

Deo gratias! 'Tis the Season of Miracles! What Order was your aunt in, btw?

Hi again every one. Thank you for your wonderful wishes. I am so high that people at work --except my Supervisor who knows the truth--thinks I'm in love with some new guy. No same One as always.

The community I'm discerning with is The Sisters of Reparation. www.sisters-of-reparation.org/

Brandelyn--I'm just starting research into my Great Aunt who died before I was born. My mom remembers that the Motherhouse was in France and that Sr. M Philomena was a maternity nurse who went on missions in Asia. I'm checking now with other relatives who were more active Catholics and may have kept in touch more closely with Sister.

Remember--My mom never even told us that Grandmama had a sister who was a Sister and as the youngest in my family by over a decade, I never met most of that generation. But I know the Lord means for me to find her.
AFter all, she certainly "found" me.

That is good to hear, Pia

I think that I will read this to my class with the author's permission.

That is great Pia! I'm so happy for you! I 've also had issues with the family, so your story gives me hope

Pia,

I am so happy for you. And so it is: Nothing is impossible with God. God continue to bless you in your vocation as you begin your journey.
Mr. Ray

Go right ahead.

Pia, your story filled me with joy Now you have the freedom to be yourself so what wonderful gift you have been given by your mother.

Who knows dear sister, there maybe more miracles on the way!!! God Bless!

first off, thanks for sharing that! Its so awesome to hear of a story of God working in the plans and making things possible in places we thought would be difficult to go through.

I have so many respect and awe of families of the religious because your vocation affects them and with your yes, is also their yes.

i know if one of my siblings were to be called, I would be overjoyed but also have to be working through what follows after becasuse that is always hard (like family members on here who have gone through before I'm sure)

But through all the hardships, its worth it! Our prize and focus, no matter what is always seeking heaven and serving God in the uttermost way we can possibily can while here on earth.

thanks again for sharing your story, it really inspired me in more ways than one! God bless you and your family!

I can't tell you how much my joy has been multiplied by the joyful responses of the phamily. In this great season of waiting, I've come to experience that all of the Lord's work in all our lives is The Miracle. Thank you all so much for helping me learn this.

My cousins grandmothers were named Archangela and Philomena, when she told me that yesterday I thought it was one of the coolest name in the world, now I think it IS the coolest name in the world

I go to Steubenville tomorrow. Please keep me in your
prayers. I'll post again after Jan. 9.

Piamaria

Safe travels and enjoy your time with the sisters!

I hope that you have a lovely time with the sisters in Steubenville. God Bless.

I'm on the plane and so excited I need to post. We had so much fog I was afraid the plane might be cancelled. The lady sitting next to me asked if I was meeting my boyfriend because I am so happy.

A tip for travelers. I had my gifts for the Sisters shrink wrapped in clear plastic and then put them in my checked bags. AT least for Northwest this is acceptable and so they won't have to hand check each item.

Talk to you in the New Year. Have a Happy New Years Day.

Piamaria

Have a wonderful time! Don't forget to pray for us