Four women are taking the next steps in their Christian life through Vocation Brisbane’s Gratia program. Source: The Catholic Leader.
The Gratia program focuses on helping women discern their vocation, especially with an openness to religious life.
Vocation Brisbane women’s discernment leader St Paul de Chartres Sister Theresa Maria Dao was proud of what the women in Gratia had accomplished in such a short time. She said it had been such a joy to accompany them, to meet with them and help them in their spiritual life.
She said the four women were part of a much larger group, about 50 Brisbane women, who were regularly in contact with Vocation Brisbane examining the possibility of religious life.
Sr Dao said a vocational journey begins with the freedom of God’s love.
“God’s love always comes first,” she said.
“Once a woman knows she is loved by God, her discernment is clearer … God’s love will free them to choose, God would always be there to support them – God’s love is our security.”
The Gratia program offers women four keys to discernment: real life ministry and service in a local parish; a mentor sister; prayer and spiritual direction; and formation opportunities
Sr Dao said religious life was a special call to love and serve God.
“Religious life is a powerhouse of prayer,” she said. “It is a visible sign of God’s love in the world, both through our life of prayer and our ministry.
“We make a difference in the school setting, in the playground, in hospitals, in aged care.”
She said women and men religious gave hope to many people.
“(Religious life) is a presence of hope and mercy, and if we are centred on Christ, we will bring the healing and mercy and hope to people,” she said.
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Gratia program is helping Brisbane women discern their vocation (By Joe Higgins, The Catholic Leader)
