Perhaps, you are called. What next? Where do you start?
Discerning religious life takes time and prayer and needs to be undertaken with others. If you feel called or you wonder whether God might be calling you, it can be helpful to share this with someone and to consider with another person what you might do and how you might respond.
Why not talk with us?
We can explore your questions together with you.
Hello. My name is Sr Eileen. I am a Dominican sister living in Dublin in a community of three sisters – our Congregation’s newest community. I have been a sister since 2013 and, in December 2021, I made my Final Profession, vowing to live as a Dominican Sister ‘til death’ – thank God!
What do I tell you about me?
I am from near a town called Ballincollig. While it isn’t far from Cork city, my home is in the countryside and we have a really big garden and lots of outdoor space. I enjoy many different things – walking in beautiful places, cycling, blogging, doodling, baking, talking about ideas. I love dogs, nature, Scriptures, poetry, words, music, the sea, the hills, God, coffee and chocolate (but not in that order!) and I’m fascinated by birds, flowers, insects, stones, colour, light and shade. All of those connect to me being a Dominican sister – and to how I experience God and to how I pray.
Sr. Eileen O’Connell at vocationsirl@dominicansisters.com
Spanish Translation
I am Sr Columbia Fernandez O.P from St Dominic’s Priory Convent in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. I have been a professed Dominican Sister since 1993. This year I celebrated 29 years of Dominican Religious Life.
My hobbies are playing guitar, singing, poetry and composing music.
I love the outdoors and being in nature. I am also an avid reader.
Some of my ministries include giving Retreats to parish groups, one of the Coordinators for the Dominican Youth Movement in South Africa, Catechist and Vocations Promoter.
I feel blessed in being a Dominican and would encourage young Catholic single ladies to explore the possibility of a Dominican Vocation. If you feel God calling you, please don’t hesitate to contact me in South Africa at vocationssa@dominicansisters.com
God bless you as you discern your Vocation.
Spanish Translation
Soy de Argentina, ingrese a la congregación de las hermanas Dominicas a los 23 años.
A las hermanas las conocí caminando en los barrios cerca de la casa donde yo vivía con mi familia.
Recuerdo que después de una misa, me acerque a una hermana y le comente acerca del llamado que iba sintiendo, desde entonces me invitaron a retiros vocacionales y me acompañaron en el proceso de discernimiento.
Actualmente en la comunidad donde vivo, acompañamos a estudiantes, que son las primeras generaciones de universitarios en sus familias. Es una gratificación verlos progresar.
También como comunidad, acompañamos la formación de catequistas y jóvenes en dos parroquias de la zona. En nuestra casa doy taller de pintura en telas y de velas a personas con necesidades educativas especiales. Además en los tiempos libres a modo de oración personal trabajo con arcilla y realizo distintas piezas cerámicas que posteriormente se venden en las ferias, que es una pequeña ayuda para continuar con la misión.
Sr Vicky Villaverde vocacionarg@dominicansisters.com