Vocation Profile: Sister Maria Guadalupe Martinez Lopez

Sister JulieAnn Sheahan

April 29, 2023

On this Good Shepherd Sunday Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Temporary Professed Sister Maria Guadalupe Martinez Lopez shares on her call from God and some of her personal favorites.

Name: Sr. María Guadalupe Martinez López Level in formation 2nd year in temporary vows.

Parish: St. Michael the Archangel, Cary NC

Birth Date: 10/24

Current address Mailing Address: 2409 S Alverno Rd, Manitowoc, WI 54220

Are there any books that you love so much that you have read them twice (or more)?

The Diary of St. Faustina, The Story of a Soul by St Therese, Life of St. Francis by Thomas of Celano, books by Henry Nouwen and The Name of God is Mercy by Pope Francis.

When you find yourself with a “free night,” what is something you are likely to do?

I enjoy making rosaries while watching TV with the Sisters. Doing embroidery or something similar can be relaxing.

What do you remember from your First Communion?

When I was seven and I made my first Communion I remember wearing a beautiful dress and veil that my Godmother gave me. I looked like a bride. I received Jesus into my heart with love. However, I might have been concerned too much with how I looked and other vain things rather than the great Gift I was receiving. Jesus is really there and there is no greater Gift than this nor greater satisfaction. Jesus wanted to come to me anyway. In my formation I have learned it is necessary to keep coming to receive the Eucharist even if we feel unworthy. Participating in the Sacraments, especially Reconciliation and Eucharist, brings us healing and deepens our relationship with Jesus. Nobody’s  perfect. We are all sinners. That’s why we need Him.

Where is one of your favorite places to pray, and what makes it special to you?

I love to pray in St. Francis Chapel in our Motherhouse. I like this place because it is quiet and peaceful. I prefer to pray in a chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is present. But sometimes praying in nature brings me close to God too.

What role has the Eucharist played in your discernment?

This is basically why I’m here. Since the beginning of my discernment I found the Eucharist to be a great source of healing for my soul. A woman from the Hispanic Community in my parish encouraged me to go to mass everyday. I attended daily mass while I was working and studying in the Early Childhood field. It was at daily mass that I heard the Gospel of the rich man and Lazarus which led me ask Jesus after I received Communion, “Which convent should I go to?” The Lord led me through formation and there were many times when I felt that I wasn’t worthy to receive Communion. But the encouragement of the Sisters and Spiritual Advisors have helped me to improve my relationship with Jesus. Receiving Jesus every day is my strength my joy and my peace. An important thing that I remember from a retreat on the Eucharist is that when we say the Great AMEN at the end of the Eucharistic prayer we are saying Amen to the whole thing. We are saying, yes we will do it; in remembrance of Jesus, reaching out to others, serving those in need, washing each other’s feet.

Which saint should people invoke for your vocation and why?

I would recommend St. Faustina, because I have received God’s Mercy abundantly and I want to spread her message of Divine Mercy and forgiveness and to practice the corporal and spiritual works of Mercy as was was revealed to her by Jesus.

God calls you. We invite you. Click here for our discernment invitations.

Article Comments:

Sister Carla Riach 04/30/2023 @ 2:48 pm

Thank you Sister Maria Guadalupe for sharing your story. It is inspiring, especially the roll of the holy Eucharist in your life.

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