“Love and serve the Lord and those around you!”

My name is Cornelia, I am from Romania and I am an FCJ sister since September 2008. I first thought about religious life when I was only 8 or 9 years old. I did not give too much importance to it then, but the idea came back into my mind from time to time.

The adventure with the FCJ Sisters begun in 1998, when I left my village to study Nursing in Bucharest and was one of the four students receiving accommodation with the FCJ Sisters. I lived with the sisters for three years but I never thought that one day I will say Yes to joining them.

The questions ‘Which is my way? What is God desire for me?’ were present in my heart and after finishing my studies these question become stronger. At that same time I did not want to postpone them, but I did not want either to make a mistake, since I desired absolutely to do God`s will by my choice.

The desire for a greater freedom in order to love, to serve and be a companion to Jesus and those around me pushed me to consider seriously religious life.

It was after much searching, reflecting and discerning that I was able to say ‘It is really possible that God could call me to FCJ life` and I knew from that moment that the source of my happiness was in Jesus. I was very happy for God`s call and I abandoned myself to his plan and his will, I strongly believed that God had chosen me already.

The freedom I live in many aspects of my life as an FCJ is what inspires me every day to be a companion for those I meet on my journey; to love and serve.

Hello. My name is Gloria and I joined the FCJ Sisters in 1974, after having qualified as a Primary teacher. Most of my ministry has been with small children but for nine years I have been in London as local leader of the formation and hospitality community at Somers Town, during which time I volunteered at a drop-in centre in King’s Cross set up by the Sisters of Mercy called Women@theWell. Working with vulnerable women, offering massage, art and craft activities or simply befriending has been a great learning experience and a real privilege. This year I have been on sabbatical and it has been wonderful! I followed a course at the Dominican Ecology Farm in Wicklow and it has been great to have the gift of time….to be with people, to be with self, to reflect on the learnings of the year and to prepare for a new challenge, as I pack my bags again and set off for our community in Belgium. The other day I was at the vow ceremony of one of our novices and it reminded me of the commitment I have made – to go wherever God calls and to be ready for anything!