Vocation Profile: Novice Sister Michelle Marie Ozuna OSF

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Novice Sister Michelle Marie Ozuna reflects on her call from God and some of her personal favorites. 

Name: Sister Michelle Marie Ozuna

Level in formation: Novice

Parish: St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Austin, Texas

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

Yes, my current favorite book I have read multiple times is Story of a Soul: the autobiography of Therese of Lisieux.  Another favorite book of mine is A life on the Edge of a Volcano, which is a biography of Fr. Joseph Kentenich, the founder of the Schoenstatt movement.

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

I think when I find myself with free time it is usually spent kayaking, talking with family and friends back home or writing letters.  I also enjoy watching episodes of the Chosen again as I patiently wait to see season 3.

What do you remember from your First Communion?

I actually received my sacraments on 04/03/2021 during the Easter Vigil so I do not have to go back too far.  I just remember how elated I was to finally be able to participate in communion after only participating spiritually up until that time and realizing the marrying of my soul with the kingdom of God and all those who had received communion before me in parish and around the world since the last supper.

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

One of my favorite places to pray if not praying in community, is outside in nature.  It is not hard to see the grace of God in his creation and it transforms me spiritually to a place of gratitude in preparation of prayer or silently I’ll just joyfully rest in the glory of God.

What role has the Eucharist played in your discernment?

The Eucharist has and does play a huge role in my discernment journey. The Eucharist is at the center of my discernment and vocation to religious life.  Before joining community, I enjoyed attending perpetual adoration and having sacred moments with Christ in the early hours of the morning when most people were home asleep.  I think in those moments I needed a more intimate setting to visit with Christ, present in the Eucharist.  When you sit in adoration of Christ present in the Eucharist you are having an intimate and personal conversation of hearts and he fills you with the grace you need to fulfill his will within you.

Which saint should people invoke for your vocation and why?

I think the main help and guide for my vocation to religious life has been the Blessed Mother Thrice Admirable Queen of Schoenstatt. The Blessed Mother has played a huge role in my journey as teacher, guide and comforter. However, the saints are so close to each of us, you just need to call on them or learn about them. I really have a strong connection to St. Francis of course for his love of creation and peaceful spirit but also St. Therese of Lisieux and her simple way of seeing everything as a gift and opportunity to love wholly and infinitely as Christ did but also St. Michael the Archangel, my namesake; he is my protector and my shield. ​

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