It’s okay to miss your sister. You miss her because you love her.
Nina
As a sibling what do you appreciate about having your sister in the convent?
My sister has shown me the beauty of religious life. I was never exposed to young, joyful, and vibrant religious sisters before she entered. I have seen my sister transform, and I know that her prayers are especially efficacious. I trust that her prayers have blessed my life in more ways than I could imagine.
What were some struggles you had to work through when your sister entered the convent?
I was very shy and closed off as a child, so when my sister entered, I still didn’t truly know her. I’ve since changed a lot, and it’s hard that she didn’t get to experience that change with me. I missed her, but it was easier to stay less connected because I didn’t want to experience more deeply the pain of seeing her less regularly. More recently, however, I made a longer visit with the IHMs, and we got to re-connect. Now, I feel closer to my sister through letters and Jesus in the Eucharist than I did before she entered the convent.
How do you see your sister’s vocation benefitting you?
She has exposed me to the beauty of religious life. I see how she has transformed to become Christ’s bride by her increase in joy, purity, and receptivity. Also, I know that her prayers have helped me through difficult times.
What do you like about the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary community?
I love their joy and their authentic smiles and laughter. I always feel loved when I come there and warmly supported. I also love the structure of their day. Each moment is intentional and oriented towards union with Christ, pointing them towards eternity. It’s no wonder they are so at peace.
What are some words of encouragement to other families?
It’s okay to miss your sister. You miss her because you love her, but don’t fall to the temptation of dropping communication to stifle the pain of separation. Keep writing letters, make visits, pray for her, and trust that she is with you in prayer and the mass. You will be so blessed by her prayers and inspired to more fully follow Christ’s will for your own life. Your sacrifice of giving her to Jesus leads to great blessings, and God delights in your gift.
Betsy
As a sibling what do you appreciate about having your sister in the convent?
I appreciate the prayers. The Lord showers blessings upon me. He simply can’t refuse my sister when she sends her petitions through the Blessed Virgin to Him. I’m convinced I’ve only noticed and thanked the Lord for a small fraction of what He has given me through her.
What were some struggles you had to work through when your sister entered the convent?
Being 10 years older than I, my sister fulfilled the role of the mother figure in my life. Seeing her enter meant letting go of her, and that was initially devastating. After each successive visit, it seemed as though she didn’t really know me anymore. I was not overwhelmed with peace until her final profession of vows. At her final profession, the Blessed Mother softened my heart, and I received deep consolation that my sacrifice of time spent with my sister was beautifully pleasing to the Blessed Mother.
How do you see your sister’s vocation benefitting you?
My sister’s vocation led me to the Blessed Mother. My sister’s absence meant the absence of a mother in the home, and this reality made my heart ache for closeness with the Blessed Mother. My sister’s final profession was the first time I felt the warmth of my Holy Mother, and if I never feel that again, I am satisfied.
What do you like about the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary community?
Each sister is a unique treasure. I like St. Therese, so I’ll entertain her garden analogies for a moment. When a woman enters, the community gains a different flower in its garden. Each flower has a different way of opening herself to the Lord. Their receptivity to the Lord’s light makes them joyful and lovely to all. They are different yet evidently united in a deep bond of love.
What are some words of encouragement to other families?
If you worry that you will lack connection with your daughter/sister or that she won’t know you anymore, remember that your daughter/sister will get intimately close with Jesus. Her heart will touch His. If you also draw near to His Sacred Heart in the sacraments, you will have a supernatural closeness with her that breeds heavenly joy. You and her can have a higher relationship that takes more effort yet is more beautiful over time.