Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Stephen Marie Luebbert reflects on the meaning of consecrated life shown her through her family as she celebrates 60 years of religious profession during this Year of Consecrated Life.
The blessings and joys I have experienced i
n religious life could not have come to me without my family and their strong religious convictions. My parents, perhaps without knowing it, lovingly sowed the seeds of my vocation. I wish to share one example here.
When I was in third grade I came home from school one day and said to my dad, “It sure is funny. Sister isn’t even married and she has a ring!” His answer quietly speaks to my heart today. “That means she is consecrated and you have to be nice to her.” At nine years old I didn’t know what it meant to be consecrated, but it was the way my dad said it, that made me want to be consecrated, too. I think the seed of my vocation was planted that day. It is as a tribute in gratitude and love that I took my mother and father’s names, Stephen and Marie, as my name as a religious.
My brothers and sisters, too, with their understanding and concern, and the give and take of growing up taught me valuable lessons; these have served me well in living community life. 
