Our Vocation

I had dreamed to be a nun since I was seven years old. Providentially, my school (St Joseph's Convent) was just opposite to Bangkok Carmel and I went to Mass there, almost every Sunday. Then I began to be interested in Carmel and thought of joining them when I left the school. But I had to work for a few years before I could fulfil my desire.

Finally, on 31st May 1946, I entered Carmel, at the time, it was the feast of Our Lady Mary Mediatrix of all Grace. My farewell party went nearly through the night, so the first morning in Carmel found me going to confession with Bishop. Imagine a postulant first day in Carmel going to confession! With the Bishop at that too! Nothing special. They did not invite him to come to hear my confession. Oh no. This Bishop (Rene Perros) was the one who got the community to come from Pnom Phen for the foundation at Bangkok. He loved us very much.

Then, my first breakfast in Carmel. It happened on the first Friday I was in Carmel. Our custom (before Vatican II): no milk, no eggs on Friday. If any of the sisters has permission to take milk or eggs she must be seated at a special table at the back of the refectory with a piece of high board in front so that the other sisters cannot see what is on the table, they can see from face to face but not what is on the table in front of you. When I saw my cup of coffee and piece of bread moved to that table, I just simply walked over and brought the coffee back to my table where I was assigned to on the day I entered. Giggling went through the refectory.

At the moment I am enjoying my retirement. So blissful. The old memories are still refreshing in my mind both joy and happy old days with our sisters in Carmel.