What if Religious Life is for me?

Azenette Trongco wearing the medal of St. Vincent de Paul and Our Mother of Sorrows, a medal given to Candidates of the Sisters of Providence.

"What if Religious Life is for me?"

I did not think much about the question the first time because I was confident that Religious Life was not for me. I have been actively involved in the Church through a charismatic community called Singles for Christ. I was trying my best to "walk the talk" and "live the faith". I want to be a living witness to how I overcame trials and used them to fuel my desire to become a better version of myself.

I never mentioned the stirring within me towards Religious Life to my family or friends but to my spiritual director. At the time, I was advised to process the idea; to know the reasons for pursuing the vocation and that I was not running away from something.

I took the advice to heart. Yet at the back of my mind, maybe this is just a phase in my life and eventually this question will gradually disappear from my thoughts. However, in the past six years or so, the question stayed. It lingered. I would ask this question during my quiet time, prayer time, when I am on a bus or train, or when I'm driving, especially when I see Religious people, and I would laugh at myself every time. There is no way I am heading in that direction!

Over time, the asking, "What if Religious Life is for me?", became frequent. I want to believe that the best tool for discernment is action. So, I mustered the courage to act and reached out to the Sisters of Providence.

Azenette receiving the medal of St. Vincent de Paul and Our Mother of Sorrows from Sr. Gloria Keylor, SP (Provincial Superior).

In November 2021, I started my Come-and-See journey with the Sisters in Calgary and in February 2022, I moved to Edmonton to continue the journey. I was immersed in community life. The experience became an occasion for growth and self-knowledge; it was an opportunity for me to understand others and myself. I felt loved and supported by the Sisters and it caused me to appreciate the vocation to Religious Life.

In February 18, 2023, I entered as a Candidate and the ceremony was held at Providence Centre Chapel, Edmonton with friends, family, Sisters of Providence, and Sisters from other congregations.

As I continue to learn more about myself in the context of Religious Life, I trust in Divine Providence in this journey of unfolding the question that led me here, "What if Religious Life is for me?"