This year, the feast of St. Agnes of Rome was very special as I made my first profession of vows as a PCPA.
There was so much grace (probably greatly increased by the prayers of my sisters) that brought me to that special moment and which continues to sustain me.
I think one line from the Office of St. Agnes opens up a special aspect of my consecration: “I will be His who first chose me for Himself.”
God the Father created me out of sheer love.
And from all eternity, He knew that He would give me as a gift to His Son, a gift to belong to Him, to imitate Him in His own poverty, chastity, and obedience for the sake of greater love.
He created me to be a particular vessel through which Christ’s love for the Father and for men can be made manifest here and now.
In being consecrated to God, I am, in a hidden way, open to bringing His love to those who desperately long to know that they are loved.
Shortly before my profession I was reminded that, as much as I am giving myself to the Lord, He is giving Himself all the more to me.
And He holds nothing back.
He “chose me for Himself.”
What more could I ask for?
I am so loved by the King of Heaven and I am delighted to be able to respond to Him through my vows.
And every day, He calls me again, to just be with Him in adoration, to sing His praises in the Divine Office, and to worship Him in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
And at every moment – in the chapel, in the garden, or in the kitchen - I belong to Him.
