During this Year of Consecrated Life announced by Pope Francis, Franciscan Sisters offer our personal response to the question: What is Consecrated Life?
Knowing that her short term memory is failing her, Sister Maria Casetta reflects: “Whatever God wants. That is what I vowed at my profession. I am where I am because this is where He wants me to be now, in St. Rita’s Health Center. God seems to want me to give up memories and that is o.k. as they are His anyway. I am His bride and His servant. I want to please Him. I am grateful to Him for calling me to this Community.”
Sister Florita Schneider’s own wisdom shines through in her comments: “God has chosen me. I am consecrated, I am ‘set apart’ for service to Him. Not set apart to be on a pedestal or in an ivory tower in arrogance and pride but to serve in humility and simplicity. Wherever I am and in whatever I do, I am a witness to God. This is a great gift which is also a great responsibility. Only by being aware of His love and support can I truly live this Consecrated Life which I have been living for 63 years. God has chosen me and I am forever grateful.”