DISCOVERING MY VOCATION TO MARIE REPARATRICE

My name is Annette Beaudry. I am from the Region of Canada. On January 23, 2017, I celebrated my 100th birthday. With this in mind, I was asked how I discovered the call of God to enter the congregation of the Sisters of Marie Reparatrice.

Reflecting on many memories, this is what I can say:

Two of my brothers left to offer themselves to the Lord in religious life. Their leaving made me think a lot. I wondered what path the Lord wanted for me.

At the age of 15, in my parish, the "Forty Hours" were celebrated, with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during this time. I went with a friend to make an hour of  adoration and I stayed the whole hour on my knees. It was my first experience to enjoy being in  the Presence of God.

At 18, I was searching to discern the life the Lord was directing me to.  I prayed, I asked for light, in order to know the will of God for me.

Listening to this inner voice that speaks to us in silence, I felt a desire for reparation with Mary. I really liked praying before the Blessed Sacrament exposed. But how did I find out what I desired? ... I found it through a friend who had made the spiritual exercises at Maríe Reparatrice, in Villa San Lorenzo. After a time of questioning, I felt that the Lord was calling me to this place.

My friend suggested that I make the spiritual exercises as soon as possible, in Marie Reparatrice: this was in June.  I had the joy of being accepted into the novitiate and entered the following September 8, the feast of the birthday of the Virgin Mary.

I was already at the height of my joy of having answered "Yes" to the Lord. I was convinced that I would stay in the community all my life.  Over the years I have tried always to respond to what the Lord has asked of me in religious life. I have had sorrows and great joys, and I have been happy all my life.

At the end of a long life, which I consider a great favor, I want to sing the "Magnificat" with the Virgin, who sang it first.

Montréal, January 23, 2017