“For surely I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah29:11)
As I introspected my past years, I realized that God’s call is so unique in me. I do not know from when onwards I felt an inner thirst or the desire to become a religious. This desire was within me, but I had not shared it with anyone. I was preparing myself to be the bride of Christ. I used to ask Jesus for my needs, but most of the times without asking He gave me exactly what I needed—both material and spiritual. Those experiences made a deep impression on me.
I saw that Jesus loves me so much and He understands me very well more than anyone could. He knows me through and through. Jesus has given up His life for me, why should I not give my life back to Him? I just desired only to be with Him and to do His will in my life, nothing else. My family and the parish atmosphere were very conducive and played a vital role to choose this way of life. I am very much grateful to my Catechism teachers that they instilled the seed of faith in me and introduced Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Every Sunday and also during my exams, I used to go to the grotto of Mother Mary in my parish and say to Mother Mary: “Mary, my mother, I know only this much; I am leaving the rest in your hands.” From then on, I started to receive very good marks in my studies. Mother Mary was a source of blessing for me.
Deep Desire
When I was studying in the 8th class, I told my mother that I wanted to become a nun. She was extremely happy. Sisters of the Congregation of Jesus Mary Joseph were rendering their services in my parish. I was deeply inspired by the way they take care of the blind children. Out of this experience, arose an inspiration to become a missionary, especially to reach out to the people ignorant of Jesus. Along with my mother, I approached the superior of JMJ Convent, Athani (Kerala), and expressed my desire to become a JMJ. I was extremely happy that day. I waited to complete my SSLC and during the summer holidays, I attended the ‘Come & See’ programme for two weeks at JMJ Provincialate, Bangalore. That time, I didn’t know much English to speak, but there were so many candidates—about thirteen of them. I was taken up by the sisters’ tender loving care towards me. I returned home and my mother instructed me to pray earnestly, as it was a great decision that I was going to make in my life and, if I chose this particular way of life, I need to remain forever as the bride of Christ. She suggested that I wait for two more years. I obeyed my mother to discern my vocation. After intermediate studies, this desire was stronger in me than before, where I felt Jesus alone is enough for me; nothing else mattered.
Sr Simy Mariya JMJ
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