Magnificat

Sr. Jessiebel, PDDM

“Be still and know that I am God.” (ps. 46:10)

What has been part of your life?

This psalm speaks a lot about my journey up to this very moment of my journey as a religious, as a Disciple of the Divine Master. I would say that my life and my vocation to the religious life is a testimony that God indeed is Love and Mercy. I am what I am now solely because I have a God who always loves, forgives, and provides me with everything through my Congregation and all the people around me. It is the Lord who guides me in my daily journey, in all my ups and downs. Indeed, when I put this in my mind and heart, everything just falls into place, wonderful things unfold and unceasingly awe me. I would also like to say that music has always been part of me since I was a child up to now. It gives me life and adds joy to my journey when I engage with music. It is my passion.

My family’s religious background

I was born to religious parents. My mother served several priests in our parish rectory for more than 20 years. I grew up in this environment, watching her taking care of them, thus, paving the way for me to know them and their life, most especially their spiritual life. My father, on the other hand, served also in our Church especially during Holy Week as one of the apostles. Both led me to this beautiful kind of life.

Why I decided to pursue a religious life.

Because I find myself happy and fulfilled in serving and loving God through the charism of our Congregation.

How my religious beliefs have changed over time.

Undergoing formation up to now in all aspects of religious life (in human, spiritual, psychological formation, etc.) helps me with this.

What is religious life for me?

Recalling my first profession 9 years ago and the moment when I professed my final vows 2 years ago, I can’t help but be out of words because of the overflowing gratitude in my heart to the same God who calls me even when I was still in my mother’s womb. It is He who sustains me with and through His love and mercy up to now. Seeing my vocation to the religious life to where I am and what I am now made me feel so blessed and challenged as well. Blessed to be called His own and challenged to be part of His mission to love and serve His people. After all, with much gratitude in my heart, I would say that my vocation and my life are all His’. Religious life for me is solely a grace and a gift from God. It is something given to me and at the same time, meant to be lived and shared with others in love and gratitude. This is why religious life is not only about me but about God and His works. I resonate with our Founder’s words, “Everything comes from him, everything leads to Magnificat.” May my life be a song singing: “Forever I will sing of the goodness of the Lord, forever I will sing of your love, forever will I sing.” (Psalm 89).

What I enjoy about being a religious

The four wheels that our Founder, Bl. James Alberione has passed on to us: prayer, community, study, and apostolate as one of those which I enjoy most in this life. God’s ways and surprises as well as sources of joy.

What challenges did I face in my religious life?

There are lots of it and I don’t know how to narrow it down. I shall say, living the life that I should be living (my identity and vows), and being a good witness to others especially when I tend to cater to my personal needs and issues.

My advice for those who are interested (Conclusion)

Listen to your heart where God speaks. Take the challenge to make a difference and don’t be afraid to say “yes” to Him. Religious life is amazing.