Sr. Ignatia with her family
What if my family and friends are not supportive?
Sometimes, parents have trouble accepting their daughter’s call to religious life. While a lack of support from family can feel devastating, God always provides for those whom He calls. “Indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt 6:33-34).
In many cases, a daughter’s witness to her family by entering religious life brings forth an outpouring of graces which can draw the family closer together and deepen in faith. There is no heart that cannot be changed by truth, and religious sisters are perfect examples of the truth of God’s love. The important part is to trust that the Lord indeed knows best.
The Lord always supports and encourages us, through prayer and through others. Many women find support for their vocations from unlikely people–teachers, old high school friends and even self-professed atheists. Even if your family is not supporting you, know that your Heavenly family–including our spiritual Mother, the Virgin Mary and all the saints–are rooting for you all the way! The important thing is to stay focused. The devil tries to distract us from God’s grace and operation in our lives. Don’t be distracted! God loves you and has a beautiful plan for you . . . let Him unfold that plan in your heart!
“Many of your friends, family, and other members of the culture are going to think that you are crazy for even considering the Religious Life or Priesthood (and believe me, people are not afraid to tell you what you are doing is crazy, I get it ALL THE TIME.) But I always think of the fact that everyone (including His family) thought that Christ was crazy (see Mk 3:21). And Paul even says in his letter to the Corithinians, “If we are out of our minds/crazy, it is to bring glory to God.” (2 Cor 5:13). If you are close with Christ and serving Him and His Church, it does not matter what the world thinks of you.” -Eric, Seminarian
“I was definitely hesitant to share with my family about my desire to enter religious life in the beginning. I was told that you know when the time is right to tell them. I didn’t flat out tell them, “Oh by the way, I’m going to be a Little Sister.” I led into it a lot with them and slowly introduced them to everything I was doing and eventually they caught on and figured that this is really what I want to do. They know that I am so incredibly happy and they couldn’t be more supportive.” – Megan, entering the Little Sisters of the Poor in 2013