THE JOY OF SAYING “YES”

I sing this praise with joy and gratitude to God for all the marvelous things he has done for me. The same words of praise I had uttered when I first said my “yes” to God to live this life of profound meaning and total dedication as I entered the RNDM congregation as an aspirant on May 31, 2015, the feast of the Visitation.

Through the Religious of Notre Dame of the Mission, I have come to know and appreciate the real beauty of sisterhood and in being in communion, shown in every joyful encounter amidst our diversity with every Sisters in the Congregation.

In RNDM, I came to know the valiant and courageous woman Euphrasie Barbier, who always inspires her sister to be a woman of courage and passion for the mission. Through her spirit, I am enthused to be a daring woman full of missionary zeal ready for the mission and beyond.

In my journey of faith, I was thankful to have my formators, spiritual directors and mentors who have guided and accompanied me throughout my formation years. I was also blessed with different opportunities for studies that have enriched and equipped me with knowledge and skills vital for my continuing growth and development and ministry needs. I sincerely appreciated the loving energy, prayerful support, wisdom and guidance of my Sisters across the Congregation who made their presence known to me in their own little but inspiring way. Significantly, I am also grateful for the Congregation Leadership Team: Josephine Kane, Margaret Maung, Joicy Madassery, Lissy Sebastian and Lucy Wambui who have also supported me with their “yes” allowing this possibility to happen. Furthermore, I cherished all my dear Sisters of the Philippine Region headed by the Region Leadership Team: Elaine Villanueva, Petite Lao and Stella Thomas for walking this path with me. Indeed, I was once again affirmed that I am in the right place that I am now.

Sr. Kristene Joy Padernal,RNDM