Discernment

What’s your formation process?

Seek and desire all the ways and means necessary to persevere and make progress to the very end. (Angela Merici)

We start with a period of “getting to know” one another and St. Angela through individualized reflection with a formation guide. Then one-on-one conversations based on St. Angela’s writings and our Constitutions lead to one’s first consecration (two years) and renewal (three years). Grounded more and more deeply in experience, this pattern continues till consecration-for-life. Prayerful discernment accompanies all phases. Continuing formation is a life-long process of spiritual growth.

I’m walking toward a goal – consecration; the contacts along the road are very important to me. (M)

I’m asking God if it would please Him if I gave myself entirely to Him. Could I be the creature that I am meant to be? Could I be more myself, more Christ’s woman? (E)

Do you pray? One always needs to pray in spirit and mind, given the continuous need one has of God’s help. (Angela Merici)

That’s our lifeline!

Liturgy: Eucharist, the Prayer of the Church Private prayer such as meditation/contemplation, praying with Scripture

Personal devotions like the rosary

Mass. If I miss Mass, I miss a meeting with Jesus. (M)

I make sure to rise early enough so I can enjoy some peaceful time to pray before I face the distractions of a busy day. (L)

Receiving Jesus in the Eucharist is the best part of my day. (E)

Our vocation is kept alive through prayers, Mass, sacraments, Rosary, and trusting that Jesus has called me to live with Him always. (ES)

What does the foundress mean to you?

“She was like a sun that gave light to all the others. She was like a fire, a conflagration of love that set them all alight. She was like a throne of God which instructed them…”(Gabriele Cozzano, Angela’s secretary)

Spiritual mother and teacher, a model, a woman of passion, Christ-centered, warm. (MC)

She made a revolution in the relationship between God and women. (M)

She’s a mother, teacher, instructor, dreamer, farmer, counselor. She was prayerful and lived her life in both theory and practice. (ES)

Do you miss having children?

Spiritual mothers (Angela Merici)

Sometimes. (MC)

I used to think I was missing children, but now I find that there are many ways to love children. (M)

God has blessed me with spiritual “children.” I have godchildren and students. Spiritual motherhood is part of St. Angela’s charism. (E)

Well, I do miss having children of my own. I have my nieces and nephews. But my life is a spring of love connecting with this world, and I have many spiritual children. (ES)

Doesn’t celibacy feel lonely and isolating?

Let her be joyful and always full of charity, and faith, and hope in God. (Angela Merici)

Alone doesn’t have to mean lonely, because I’m alone with Christ. Many other relationships are important to me, too: family, friends, neighbors, co-workers. My sisters in the Company are crucial. Fun is essential! I never feel isolated. But yes, to be honest, I do feel lonely sometimes. (MC)

No! The commitment to celibacy calls me to love others with boundaries. It gives me more energy for service. (ES)

I would have to say that I was given the grace of celibacy, and it was made clear to me that I would remain single and work for the Lord. I don’t think we are called to something without being given the graces necessary to complete that call. I never thought that was something I could do, be without a ‘man.’ But when I received that grace, it was just complete understanding and acceptance, and I was happy about it! It actually felt like a burden had been taken off of me. What a wonderful feeling to need only Jesus! (R)

What kind of community experiences do you have?

Go often, as you have time and opportunity…and visit your dear daughters and sisters, and greet them; see how they are, comfort them; encourage them to stand fast in the life begun. (Angela Merici)

Frequent conversations by phone and Skype, occasional visits, and an annual gathering.

What surprised me was the members’ ability to live “together” even so far apart. (M)

What do other people think about your belonging to the Company?

God wants nothing for you but only your good and your joy. (Angela Merici)

Members tell others about their membership in the Company if/as they feel it’s appropriate. There are no external signs, such as clothing or symbols. Speaking about their membership is a very personal decision, based on individual circumstances.

My family is very supportive. Friends who know are interested, not sure what a secular institute is, but affirming. (MC)

Family members are pretty supportive. I think that they are still confused about secular institutes. It has helped me to have the support of my parish, pastoral team, as well as other discerners and apostolates. It helps to have the Church encouraging you. (E)

Most of my relatives think I’m wasting my life. Poor people understand because I’m there for them. My co-workers don’t know that I belong to the Company, but sometimes they say that I’m “different” – as a compliment. (M)

I’d like to learn more. What next?

Contact us. We’ll follow up with conversation, materials, whatever it takes to reach a mutual sense about going forward.