(This letter is included in a vocations packet that the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary make available. — Editor)
To a young woman discerning a vocation:
Laudetur Iesus Christus!
You have this packet in your hands because you have, in one way or another, shown interest in a vocation to the Sisters of the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. A good and noble thought!
The contents of this packet deserve a note of explanation:
The small vocations brochure (Sisters) covers basic questions and answers about our life as religious brothers. It’s the first thing you should read after this cover letter.
The booklet, Invitation to a Crusade, presents a broader view of the work of Saint Benedict Center, something you must appreciate to have a vocation here. Pages 9-11 explain more on our religious life.
St. Alphonsus’ “Answer to a Young Man” is a letter he wrote to one who, like you, was considering a religious vocation. It is priceless and should be prayerfully read by all considering a vocation to the religious state.
Come and Follow Me is a wonderful book introducing the religious life. Though small, it is filled with insightful explanations from Holy Scripture and the lives of the saints. It was written by a Novus Ordo priest, but – with the exception to a fleeting reference or two to Vatican II texts and quotes from Mother Theresa (all of which were good) – it could have been written in a bygone era, when there was more Catholic sense about these things.
Our tract, “The Only Way to Heaven,” which gives a summary of the Church’s teaching on the dogma we are most known for defending.
Finally, there is a holy card of the saint (Saint Philomena) who has helped us in many of our important needs, including vocations. We recommend that you pray to this wonderworking Virgin Martyr to help you to know and do God’s Holy Will.
We are convinced that ours is a very important work for the life of the Church. By prayer, study, living the Evangelical Counsels, publishing, apostolic work, and education, we do what we can to work for the Glory of God, the exultation of the Blessed Virgin, the conversion of America, and the restoration of Catholic doctrine. Ours is a difficult vocation, but a necessary and rewarding one. Should you join us and prove yourself worthy, you would be a part of a great work for the Our Lord, Our Lady, and the Church.
God bless you and may Our Lady of Vocations help you to know your vocation.
In the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Sister Marie Thérèse, M.I.C.M.
Prioress
To order this book, call 603-239-6485. (It unfortunately is not available online.) return to text
