Religious Women
“To be faithful, we must live simply. Then being free from attachments, we are possessed by nothing.”
– St. Jane Frances de Chantel
Meet some of the religious sisters and nuns of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Here, they speak about their congregation, the charisms and traditions they follow, and offer some great advice for current discerners. The enthusiasm they have for the Lord is seen in the videos.
Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sr. Barbara Claire SBVM speaks about her discernment journey and gives us an insight into her religious congregation.
Vocation promoter:
Mother Winsome SBVM, 99 Old Oscott Hill, Kingstanding, Birmingham B44 9SR
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Sisters Minor of St. Francis
Belonging to a newly-formed Italian Franciscan congregation, Sr. Miriam speaks about how she became a sister and her inspiration from St. Francis.
Vocation promoter:
Sr. Miriam of the Risen Jesus, 192 Hawthorn Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham, B44 8PU
T: 0121 350 0716 E: smsfbirmingham@gmail.com
The Spiritual Family The Work
A sister of The Work (FSO) speaks about her inspiration of St. Pope John Paul II. She also shares with us what helped her to discern her calling, for example, the Sacraments, prayer and spiritual direction. Video courtesy of the Archdiocese of St. Andrews and Edinburgh.
Vocation promoter:
Sr. Mary-Birgit Dechant FSO, Ambrose Cottage, 9 College Lane, Littlemore, Oxford, OX4 4LQ
T: 01865 779743 E: littlemore@thework-fso.org
Missionary Sisters of Servants of the Holy Spirit
Sr. Yudith SSpS introduces her congregation's founders and charism. She shares her own background and own vocation story.
Vocation promoter:
Sr. Yudith Anu SSpS, 14 Wye Cliff Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B20 3TB
T: 0121 515 2341 E: yudithkeraf.ssps@gmail.com
Discalced Carmelites
Sr. Jane of the Trinity OCD, of the Carmel of the Magnificat in Wolverhampton, speaks about her vocation story and how she felt called to give herself completely to the Lord.
Vocation promoter:
Mother Prioress, Carmelite Monastery, 6 Poplar Road, Penn Fields, Wolverhampton, WV3 7DP
Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The community began on 1st January 2013 when, as members of an Anglican Community, they were received into the full communion of the Catholic Church. Following the rule of St. Benedict, they are committed to living and praying the Liturgy, the Holy Mass and the Divine Office. In addition, hospitality and intercession form a significant part of their charism.
Resources
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The book Discerning Religious Life by the Vocation Director for the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, Mother Clare Matthiass, for women who are discerning religious life. Mother Clare states that the book empowers one to “move from discernment to decision.” Buy here.
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The book How We Love: A Formation for the Celibate Life by Br. John Mark Falkenhain, OSB, a Benedictine monk and clinical psychologist. He provides a well-researched and thorough guide for celibacy formation. Buy here.
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'Life in Hidden Light' is a documentary by Miranda Tasker and Marcus Nield. This short film portrays a group of enclosed nuns living in the enclosed Carmelite Monastery and provides interviews through which outsiders are able to get an understanding of the religious community. Watch it via https://ocarm.org/en/multimedia/life-hidden-light
Useful Links
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Compass
Have you ever wondered if you are called to become a friar, monk, or a religious brother? Compass helps you to find if God is calling you to be one of them. http://www.compass-points.org.uk
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The Living Joyfully Group
A group of religious who are interested in spreading a culture of vocation all over the UK. They are a network and share resources, information and good news about vocation.
Get in touch!
Sr. MaryAnne FCJ