I attended college at the Franciscan University of Steubenville.  In the first few years there, I experienced immense growth in my relationship with God, and began to desire Jesus above all else. While I felt myself drawn at times towards religious life, I was not completely open to it due to fears and a desire for marriage. 

During my sophomore year, I decided to serve on a mission trip in Los Angeles. While on the trip, one of the Sisters pulled her white Carmelite mantle from her bag and fastened it around her shoulders. My heart was moved so deeply that it truly ached with a longing both physical and spiritual. I desired to be a bride of Christ, as this sister was. I knew immediately that this reaction did not come from me, but from God, and that He was speaking to me through this experience. I immediately perceived what He was asking of me:  I felt that I had truly been proposed to by our Lord! 

Following Mass, we went on a hike in the mountains. I heard the Father in my heart tell me, “All that I have is yours,” and understood that He meant not only the beauty of His creation, but even more so His own Son. The Father was giving me the gift of His Son out of pure love, and was waiting on my answer. I was so overcome with gratitude that I had a deep desire to respond to this love with the gift of my whole life. 

Upon returning from the mission trip, God remained faithful in pursuing me, and it was clear that He wanted me to remain faithful in my discernment in return. Although there were many fears and unknowns throughout the early stages of the journey, a deep and abiding peace remained in the center of my heart. As I have continued in discernment, this peace has remained present in the midst of both trial and joy. God has shown me that He is enough to fulfill all of my heart’s desires.  

The community that Jesus has called me to is the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. I am drawn in by their deep devotion to our Lord, and the ways in which they live out the Carmelite charism so beautifully.

The Sisters are devoted to contemplative prayer and abiding constantly in the presence of God. From this source of prayer, they share the Lord’s love through education, retreat ministry, and healthcare among the aged. They seek to accompany those they serve and to share with them the love of Jesus and Mary. It is my deep desire to join them as a Bride of Christ in this mission.