Sister Stories
Sister Shawna Foley
Vocation Director | Fargo, North Dakota
When did you hear God’s call and how have you responded? I began considering religious life when I was in college. I felt that God was calling but also felt unworthy to even consider pursuing it. After a few years of God’s persistence and gentle nudging (God really is the “Hound of Heaven”) I began exploring my call to religious life. After a second go-around at college (I went to two different colleges and through almost ten years of education to receive an undergraduate degree in nursing), I began the application process to become a Presentation Sister. I entered the Presentation Sisters ten years ago and made final profession of vows as a sister four years ago. How has living as a Presentation Sister enhanced your life? It is a joy being a Presentation Sister. Over the years I have gained confidence in my leadership abilities. Things that I thought that I could never do, such as speaking in front of a group, or writing an article for a newsletter, come much easier. Belonging to the congregation in Fargo, but recognizing the connections with others through the International Presentation Association and the Conference of Presentation Sisters, has given me a closer connection to the world. I feel a responsibility for my Sisters, and those whom they minister to and with, in other parts of the world. My prayers are not just focused on my local area, but to other places as well.
What would you share with women considering religious life? Try it! If you think and feel God is calling you to religious life, try it. It is wonderful to have a formation period of a minimum of six years. During these years a person grows in her relationship with God, gets to know more and more about living with others in community, and hopefully gains increasing self-knowledge. If a person wishes to make a permanent commitment to the community that is great. We are all on a journey together helping each other to grow in holiness.
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