Sr. Agnes Maria will make her perpetual profession of vows this coming June. In this interview, she describes her journey of preparation as a time of drawing near to Jesus at the foot of the Cross.
How has this time of preparation been for you?
One of the things placed on my heart during this year was to set aside a weekend every month to have quiet and prayer. It’s been a time of “letting go” in my life and detaching from different ministries and people in clinging more to Him. This has led me to greater attachment to Jesus as my Bridegroom. I remember that being united to Him at the foot of the cross is where I receive the new life of resurrection. I also receive His mercy there - that there’s nothing that I’ve done or earned that has made me worthy of this life, but only His mercy and love for me.
Also, my name means “lamb” and I desire to be united to Jesus the Passover Lamb in laying down my life for the souls He’s entrusted to me.
Has Our Lady been a part of your journey this year?
I’ve experienced Mary’s intercession this year and I look to her as my model in saying “yes” with a generous heart; not just one ‘yes’ but many. She is my model for living the vows, especially in trusting in the loving plan of the Father when things are difficult or don’t make sense for me. Some of her ‘yeses’ were difficult, like being at the foot of the cross. Knowing that she is with me through her motherly love and attentiveness has made all the difference.
Mary has also taught me how to be a spiritual mother in many ways. I walk with women who are discerning religious life. I rely on her motherly intercession and example in learning how to be a mother as I welcome women to our home here at the Motherhouse.
What is it you’re looking forward to with making final vows?
I’m just so excited to belong to Jesus forever. I’m excited for the Mass and the ceremony. I’m excited for the graces that he has for that day. I’m excited that by making final vows I cross the threshold of death into eternity. After I say the vow formula, the bishop responds: “If you are faithful to these vows, I promise you eternal life.”
My making final vows is a response to His love and His gift of self to me. The desire of my heart is to give myself to Him as a gift.
