Here is the story of a young woman with a PG degree and further training in computer work, who did not want a career, nor join a teaching order of nuns, but preferred to share with the unloved all the love she had received at home.
I was born in Kancheepuram, Tamilnadu, to a Catholic family of four children. Right from a young age, our parents brought us up in Christian faith not only in saying prayers or going to church but also in doing good works. As a young girl I used to go to missions with Missionary of Charity Sisters. I did my schooling with Salesian sisters, college with Franciscan Missionary of Mary sisters. Of course, I cannot forget my parish run by the OMI fathers. I thank God for preparing me a good ground without even me knowing. Even though my desire was to join the convent in early days, the motive was to escape from my studies. But my parents and sisters wanted me to finish my studies, go for work, earn some money to really know the life and what I am going to give up. But in their heart of hearts they thought that I would marry and live with them and they could count on me.
At the age of twenty-three, I had to make a decision—this time with no other motive but to serve others. I had received much love from my family and friends, and I wanted to share it with the unprivileged ones. I didn’t want to join a teaching order like my sister (who is a Salesian Sister) because, as youngest in the family, I was tired of being told what to do and what not to do. I had the chance of knowing the Little Sisters of the Poor in Chennai. I felt this was the place where I would like to be, where I can take care of the elderly and be someone to them in their last days.
Sr Shanthi Mary LSP
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