Vocation Testimony

I came from Kayyunni parish – Sultan Betheri. I consider my vocation as a miracle forever to cherish. From my early childhood, I loved Sisters. Though I had the desire to join the Convent I did not know whom to contact and how to go about. After my SSLC, one day as I was going through Satyadeepam Weekly, I saw an advertisement for several Congregations. The one of Tiruvalla Carmel somehow attracted me though I knew nothing about Cloistered life; I wrote to them. They replied asking me to come and visit them.

Without showing anyone at home I went with this letter to my Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Mathew Puthanparambil. He read the letter and asked me several questions. He called my parents and told them that I have a vocation and they should allow. They said that they are ready to do whatever he said. My father spoke of financial difficulties. My Mother said that Tiruvalla is too far and there was no one to take me there. Fr. Mathew said that his house is close to Tiruvalla and he is going home one of those days. He agreed to take me.

I went with Fr. Mathew and met Mother Prioress for an interview. Mother told me that they will inform me later. When I came back there was deep happiness within me, though it was the first time I saw Sisters in a Cloister. I felt they were all very happy.

I was overjoyed to get the letter the Cloister asking me to join them. I came with my family and joined Carmel on 8th September 1983. I felt that Cloister was the extension of my family. From that day on I feel I am living in the shadow of God’s infinite love and mercy. Fighting with some of my temperaments were both rewarding and at the same time challenging. The support of my Sisters helps me to face each day with love and gratitude. I am deeply conscious of my responsibility “to be love in the heart of the Church”.

- Sr. Mary Carmen OCD