By Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak (SSFS)
In SSFS, we have what we call Pastoral Care of Vocation Committee, with a Vocation Moderator who holds the role of guiding young ladies (who have some level of interest and desire in Religious Life) to further their search so as to realise God’s Will in their life, through a series of spiritual guidance (programmes and retreats) before they are actually accepted into the Initial Stage of Formation (training) once their desire is verified.
Emiliani Usun Remy is a Kenyah girl from Long Tap, Baram. She has been accepted to further in the Initial Period of Formation (Postulancy) on 4 Mar 2024.
Below is a Vocation sharing from one of our Formees about her journey and experiences searching for her vocation into Religious Life:
I have been desiring to become a Religious Sister since I was a child for one reason, which is the idea of going to heaven and be with God.
My first encounter with the SSFS was when I was 17 years old; I participated in the second Miri Diocese Youth Apostolate (MiDYA) when I met Sr Catherine Uming, the SSFS Vocation Moderator at the time.
From her sharing in the programme, I got some ideas and understanding about the local Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak. After my studies in Form 6, and after participating in the MiDYA programme, I applied and was accepted to Postulancy with the Carmelite Nuns in Miri.
At least, that was where I thought I finally found my vocation. My formation was shortened due to my health issues. After my illness, I went to Kuching. It was here that I gathered some more information (from a friend, who happened to be their candidate back then), about SSFS Religious life, which attracted me.
To cut the story short, after some series of introduction, I was accepted as a SSFS Aspirant in 2022. But because of my young age and need some working experience, I agreed to work in Home of Peace, (a place where the poor and needy are cared for), where the Sisters continued their guidance in helping me to become more aware of my Vocation to Religious Life.
The working experiences there as a caregiver was not easy at first but in time I learnt to love the work and the inmates. In loving the work and the needy in Home Of Peace and through the untiring humble and loving guidance of the Sisters there, as well as Pastoral Care from the Vocation Team and Moderator, I finally realised my place in life. This led me to where I am now in my Initial Period of Formation. I thank God for His grace and guidance from the beginning of my search journey till now.
Having said that, I do realise that my journey through formation is still a long way to go. Your prayer is very much appreciated for my perseverance. Thank you. – Today’s Catholic
