Our Vocation

In 1925 - St. Therese was canonized and I was baptized in 1928. She was very popular then. My mother taught me her " Little Way" of Love - to be hidden and do everything for Love. Since then, I have carried her teaching to Carmel and this strengthened me throughout my days in Carmel and my journey to God too. I still remember my last retreat days at school, I went into Chapel and there was a sentence -" I have loved you with an everlasting Love." After reading it, I knew at once where God called me to and wanted me to be - "A Carmelite".

Now I am over 70, I think more of the grave. After 70 I feel FREE! There is a sense in which we can rightly feel free because we are in fact free. By sharing in the life of Christ, we share the freedom of the children of God. After 70, I feel easier to let go many things and have learnt by my many mistakes in life to a better nun. Well, life may begin at 70 - who knows! I don't know if God will grant me more years of life, but I am not worrying due to the freedom I am having in my heart. "We will not be afraid because God is our shelter and strength."

My vocation to Carmel:

On the day of my Solemn Profession on 27th August 1955,

I heard my dear Dad sobbing in the Chapel outside our enclosure during the ceremony. I wandered why - I was 26 years old then. I entered Carmel when I was 21. I was very moved to see my Dad sobbing. Then when he came to the parlour I asked him why all these tears on such a happy day of mine??? Then he told me the story, "On your baptism Day - your mother and I named you Therese, and we told her to make this child of ours a Carmelite in future. Now she has accepted our offer of you to follow Christ as she did. We are very happy, grateful and today we thank her for this gift to us to you. The reason why I was so moved is because of gratitude."