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The Unfolding Sense of Belonging:
How One Inquirer Feels
 Eleana Mastromatteo seems a little quiet and shy when you first meet her. Get into a conversation with this 29-year-old Canadian, though, and you'll soon discover otherwise. Thoughtful, articulate and open, Eleana spent 10 days with the Sisters this summer during her discernment. Happily, she offered to share some of her thoughts here with us.Q. When did you first sense that you were being called to religious life?A. I sensed something in my early 20's and was taken aback. I didn't know whether it was my will or God's voice within. I told my mom and she said, "I always thought of you being a nun." That made me less afraid. I found a Vision magazine and began looking at Web sites and visiting communities.Q. You say you were in your early 20's when you first felt called. What did you think you would do with your life before then?A. I always thought I would get married, have 5 kids and be an occupational therapist. Those were my plans. But God showed me otherwise through my gifts, instincts and personality. For instance, I have never connected with one other person the same way as I do with a group of people in prayer. Q. You have been discerning for a number of years now. Have you been serious about any single community?A. I actually found a new community in Florida that specializes in special education, which is my passion. I took a leave of absence from my job as a teacher's assistant and moved down there. I thought it was my call. But the community itself wasn't for me. I left after three months and when I got home it was peace at last. I'm glad I didn't quit my job.Q. What are you looking for in a community?A. For one thing, are they open to people with differences? I have been told that my health isn't up to par by several communities, but you know, people in wheelchairs can still serve God.Q. Your health?A. I am blind in one eye and have a curved spine. But it doesn't slow me down!Q. You are in an age bracket that has shown some preference for wearing a habit. Yet you are visiting a community that wears the ordinary clothing of the people.A. To be honest, I always saw myself in a habit. But I've been turned down by communities in habits. And after spending time here with Sisters who don't wear habits, I feel differently.Q. Where are you in your discernment now?A. It has evolved slowly, and I was beginning to think maybe it wasn't my call after all. But this trip to the Benedictines in Rock Island has been pivotal. I love the spirituality here. I feel welcomed and at home. They have given me hope again.Q. So, what's the next step for you?A. I will take this sense of peace and gratitude and hope back home with me, and stay in contact with Sr. Bobbi. She will come to Toronto to visit me and my family soon. If this is where I'm being called, it will continue to unfold.Q. Do you have any advice for other inquirers?A. Try answering this question: Where does my deepest desire meet the world's greatest need? Contact 1 or 2 communities that you feel attracted to. Talk to someone that you're comfortable with, someone who won't discourage you. Be open to various ideas and information. One thing will lead to another. If God is really calling you it will unfold through your circumstances that this is the best possible life choice you can make to serve God and the world.
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Prayer is Primary... |
We pray together
and alone
in the morning...
at noon...
and at night.
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