THE UNFOLDING OF HIS LOVE
A vocation story of Sr. Joy Panoso (second year novice)
(Sr. Joy is seated in front row, middle)
I was a young girl when my mother used to comb my hair while we were resting in our balcony. Without any hesitation, I asked my mother this question: “What if I become a nun?” She kept quiet and with a smile she told me: “Your father will not allow you because you are too young.” After that conversation, I did not mind what I told my mother. Years passed, my question came back again in another situation. I was a young professional when I met the Salesian Fathers at Don Bosco Parish in Makati. I was a very active member of the charismatic group called Singles for Christ at the Sacred Heart Parish in Pasong Tamo, Makati. One of my friends, Anne, who was also a member of the group and who became a Salesian Sister, was very enthused to invite me to go to Don Bosco Parish to join the formation encounters given to volunteer catechists. For me, it was a great experience being part of the formative encounters for catechists. I responded positively to Sr. Anne’s invitation. From then on, I enjoyed attending the formation given every Friday evening. Through the reading of God’s Word, I realized the Lord’s goodness in my life. The priest’s reflection on God’s Word helped me realize and discover my calling to the Religious Life. I was also amazed to see the zeal and dedication of my companions who were very committed to their apostolate even if they have other responsibilities to attend to.
Teaching the street children every Sunday made me experience some kind of fulfillment notwithstanding my work during the week. Sunday was my only rest day but I did not feel tired because I love to work with the young especially when we had big celebrations in the church. I was so touched seeing those young people who were simple and yet very happy. A Salesian priest who used to give us formation told me that they have the Salesian Sisters in Canlubang, Laguna. When I heard this, I was very happy and I wanted to meet them. I immediately thought that perhaps like the Salesian Priests, they too, must be enthusiastic and easy to be with.
True enough, when I met the Salesian Sisters of the Pius community at UN, Manila. They were very welcoming and willing to talk to young ladies like me. Sr. Lanie Pilar, FMA, was the first one I met and I had the chance to talk to her. My first encounter with the Salesian Sisters led me to think of my own life. I have been working for seven years and somehow I already enjoyed my work earning on my own. Regarding my family they are happy inspite of the difficulties and concerns they are encountering in the daily. And so, I started to discern, to think and to reflect. Being active in the Church, my Christian values and spirituality were strengthened. This somehow made me search and seek for the deeper meaning of life. From then on, I made frequent visits to the Salesian Sisters’ at the Pius XII Ladies’ Dormitory. Sr. Lanie invited me and my friend Anne to attend their Life’s Direction Encounter (LDE). I completed the two years’ sessions of LDE until I decided to enter in 2004. Honestly speaking, I could not explain my feelings during those times.
God called me in a unique way. I could not imagine how God unfolded His love to me. All I know is that I have this certainty: He knows what is best for me and I willingly responded to His call. I want to express my gratitude to Him for all the blessings He has given me and this I will do by offering my LIFE to Him…a life which is His precious and beautiful gift.
Sr. Joy Panoso
2nd yr. Novice
