Norfolk sister speaks about her journey into consecrated life

Sr Theresa Community of Our Lady of Walsingham

Source: Diocese of East Anglia

A sister from the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham near Dereham in NOrfolk, has shared her journey into consecrated life on the international Catholic channel Shalom World. Eunice Kwashie reports.

In the video entitled 'God, Please Don't Ask Me To Be A Nun,' Sr Theresa talks about how she found peace in accepting God's will and offers encouragement to young people considering their own vocations.

Sr Theresa embodies her community's charism, 'the Fiat of Mary,' which focuses on offering spiritual support to help others say 'yes' to God's call. As an assistant chaplain at a local university, she guides students who are often uncertain in their faith, nurturing their growth with a "motherly desire to nurture life… in a different way." She recently shared her journey on ShalomWorld, discussing how she initially didn't want to become a nun and how God ultimately changed her mind.

Growing up in a Catholic family, Sr Theresa found comfort in prayer from a young age. She recalls being told that "prayer is like a telephone conversation with God," a lesson she took to heart, praying about the typical concerns of a young girl. As a child, she dreamt of marriage and having children, which shaped many of her prayers. However, at 15, the thought of religious life began to surface, and she often prayed, "God, please don't ask me to become a nun". Despite this, she sensed God telling her to reframe her focus saying, "I'm the most important thing…put me first."

After school, Sr Theresa pursued nursing as a way to serve God through helping others, while still holding onto her dreams of marriage. During a Move 2000 retreat, she was first confronted with the difference between her will and God's. Feeling afraid and uncertain, she clung to the idea of marriage, which felt "safe and normal." Yet, the thought of becoming a sister persisted, and when she finally asked God if she should be a nun, she heard a gentle "yes".

A pivotal moment came during a retreat at Walsingham, where she felt called to fully surrender to God. The message "God won't make you do anything; you need to give God permission", resonated deeply, helping her release her fears and accept the possibility of a religious vocation. She began attending daily Mass, praying for guidance and even started a young Catholic social group to share her spiritual journey.

Her encounters with the sisters of the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham during Youth 2000 further deepened her sense of calling. Attracted by their joy and community, she attended more retreats and prayed: "Lord, help me to trust you, help me to believe you want what's best for me". Sr Theresa began to feel peace about the idea of becoming a sister. After completing her nursing training, she joined the community in 2010, leaving her nursing role behind.

Initially, Sr Theresa felt shy, especially when others seemed highly skilled in areas like cooking. However, she soon realised that the "real blessing of community" lies in celebrating everyone's unique gifts. Through retreats and talks, she gained confidence and flourished. Although she struggled with not having children, she discovered a deep sense of "spiritual motherhood," by redirecting her love for children into her work.

In April 2018, she made her final vows, describing it as "like marrying Jesus". Reflecting on her journey, she speaks of the depth of God's love and hopes more people consider the consecrated life, believing that "the only way to repay Him is through love" and "giving our whole selves."

Sr Theresa believes the solution to the need for more priests and sisters lies in fostering a "culture of holiness" where everyone listens to God's will. Despite challenges, she finds joy in her religious life and trusts that "God never revokes His choice". She encourages young people not to be afraid to "give it a try because you have nothing to lose and God always rewards our generosity" and advises them to get in touch with priests, and sisters or visit communities to explore their faith.

Her story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and the unexpected paths that God's guidance can lead us down. Sr Theresa hopes to inspire others to listen to God's call, just as she did, and to foster a culture where everyone seeks and follows God's will in their lives.

LINK

Watch the ShalomWorld original video: www.shalomworld.org/episode/god-please-dont-ask-me-to-become-a-nun-sr-theresa-weight