I have not lived a thousand years, but 25 years of
Consecrated Life which went by for me
As yesterday when it is passed.

On October 4, the Feast of St. Francis, along with the community of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Koungheul, we thanked God by celebrating the Eucharistic Liturgy and sharing a meal together.   

This gave me an opportunity to review the journey of my life. I realize that words are not sufficient to express what I have lived these past years, but once more I found God’s love who became the Way, the Truth, and the Life for me and allowed me to live in His same home. 

There is a time for every season of our lives. There was a time when – as a young woman – I realized that everything could crumble and dissolve around me, but God was the only permanent reality upon which I could set my life. There was also a time when – as a young woman – I was fascinated by Wisdom, and tried to find in studies an answer to my questions. This was a time of struggle and grace, with its own uniqueness. I began listening to others – whom I had learned to love by encountering suffering. This bore much fruit and initiated wonderful friendships.  

I was already at University when I felt that the Lord was calling me to follow Him in the footsteps of St. Francis and Mother Frances and was sending me into the world to heal the wounds of poor and suffering humanity. 

I said my “yes” on Pentecost day, 25 years ago. . . and today I am here in Senegal to heal, teach, try to proclaim with my life – in spite of my weaknesses – the good news of Jesus Christ.
 
Jubilate Deo, rejoice, rejoice with me !

Sister Laura Cantello, SFP