When asked to reflect upon my journey to vowed religious life, I have spoken often about my spiritual hunger. Through the celebWhen asked to reflect upon my journey to vowed religious life, I have spoken often about my spiritual hunger. Through the celebration of the triduum many years ago, I discovered a desire to search out a supportive, life-giving, intimate faith community with others that share my commitment to living as Jesus did. It has been important for me to be able to share freely my faith life, my experiences of a personal relationship with God and to learn from others how important the strong church foundation is in the life of the people with whom I live and minister. As I now reflect on my vocation journey, I have found the love and support of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas’ regional community of Rochester.
Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, had a strong foundation in Scripture. It is in this Scripture base that Mother McAuley developed her understanding of community in the church of Dublin, Ireland. She writes, “Our love ought to be so firm, so cordial, and so solid that we should never refuse to do or to suffer anything for the good of others. In this manner did Jesus Christ love us.” The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas have found these qualities in the heart of many people. They demonstrate a very prayerful and strong love of God.
We have all experienced times in our lives when everything seemed to come together … when the pieces fit. These are moments when we gain insight and recognize God’s hand in bringing together the pieces of our lives. I have often wondered why God has brought me to this place — to this ministry. The study and lived experience of religious vows has challenged me to take a deeper look at my spirituality. Family, friends and those with whom I minister have all assisted me in recognizing the grace of my giftedness and my ability to be of service to God as a Sister of Mercy.
Sister Solan, who professed her first vows as a Sister of Mercy on Sept. 18, 2004, is ministry coordinator at St. Cecilia Parish in Irondequoit.
