In less than a month, I’ll be in Rome for the summer, preparing for final vows. The reality hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but something in my heart feels ready.
It’s been three years since I renewed my temporary vows. I’m part of the first generation of Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi to have a six year period of final vows, as a time to deepen in the experiential living and learning of our vocation. The first four years I was studying at Mater Ecclesiae College in Rhode Island, and the past two I have been immersed in the full-time apostolic reality of Houston, Texas.
How do you know that you’re really ready to get married? That’s similar to the question that I was asking myself earlier this year faced to final vows.
Honestly, I don’t think I could ever be “ready enough” to be the Spouse of Christ. But without a doubt, I know He’s the one.
And how can you know? Somehow you just do.
No, these past six years haven’t been rosy and perfect. No, they haven’t been without struggle, prayer, joys and victories. No, things haven’t always been clear or easy- in our institution, in community life, or in the apostolic work I’ve been involved in.
I’ve had to constantly renew, purify, and challenge my own motives, actions, desires, and relationships according to the Gospel and our charism.
I’ve had to go face to face with my own misery, weakness, and shortcomings, and help shoulder and carry those of others.
And at the end of the day- of every day- and then first thing again each new morning, I go face to face with Christ crucified, and there find the answer.
This is where JOY is born- the joy of a life offered to the Father, with the Son, in union with the Holy Spirit. Before and with Him, life takes on a new dimension- supernatural and resurrected.
Am I nervous? Yes. Am I excited? Yes. Am I ready?
Something from the depths of my being screams yes. Because of Him.
Not just to belong to Christ, as His bride and mother of souls for the rest of my life, but to be committed FOR LIFE as a sister and friend to all those who share this Regnum Christi charism and mission.
Thank you to my Legionary and Regnum Christi sisters and brothers who have traveled this journey ahead of me and who continue to strive each day for holiness and to bring the experience of Christ’s love to the ends of the earth. I am proud of you and thankful to be part of this family.
You are all welcome to join me September 8th here in Houston for my profession of final vows.
