Fear Not

Novice Imelda Samuing, FSP

“Fear not, I am with you.” Isaiah 41:10

What has been part of your life?

What truly matters in my life were the important values that learned from my family, like being simple, God-fearing, and respectful. These values help me in my relationship with God and with other people. As I grow older, I continue to search for God and the true meaning of my life especially the inner joy that I long for.

My family’s religious background

I am from Calatrava Negros Occidental. I am the youngest daughter among six children. My desire to become a sister started when I was 5 years old when I encounter my aunt Sr. Vicky Palay, who was one of the Daughters of St. Paul and her companions visited our house for a mission. I was attracted to their witnesses of life, particularly simplicity, kindness, and joyful spirit. After that encounter my desire continued until I started to feel I’m no longer happy in my job, that something was lacking, and there was part of me that is empty and needs to be filled with.

Why did I decide to pursue a religious life?

Through the close encounter with my aunt and other FSP sisters, I began to believe that I too was called to religious life. After much discernment, I decided to follow my heart’s desire to become a nun because I’m no longer happy with my work, and I feel an emptiness deep within my life.

How my religious beliefs have changed over time.

My religious beliefs have changed over time as I mature. My perspective in life and my faith in God develop and it inspires me to serve other people through our apostolate.

What is religious life for me?

Religious life for me is a life consecrated to Jesus and his mission with one's whole heart, loving him more than anyone or anything else.

What I enjoy about being a religious

As a religious I enjoy doing the apostolate especially home visitation in the barrios, praying, and being with the community.

What challenges do I face in religious life?

My vocation journey as a religious is not easy, it is like a roller coaster ride, there are many emotional highs and lows, like hardships in time management in my studies, apostolate, prayer, and community life. But with God's amazing grace, I was able to overcome the difficulties and struggles that I experienced at the same time my experience helped me to be strong and mature in my faith in God. I also found inner peace and joy in my chosen vocation.

My advice for those who are interested (Conclusion)

In this blog, I hope that the sharing of my vocation journey into religious life will continue to inspire and enrich you and young people all around to discern and cooperate what is the will of God in their chosen vocation.