by Sr Maria Célia De Oliveira Couto
I was born into a Christian family. I did my primary education with the Sisters of Divine Providence and wanted to join their congregation when I was about 12 years old, but my mother would not let me. Later, studying at a public school, I “no longer had a religious vocation”.
If I was going to become a nun, I would be a contemplative one!
In 1968, a priest arrived at my parish. I began spiritual direction with him, and he helped me rediscover my vocation. There was one thing I knew for sure: if I was going to become a nun, I would be a contemplative one!
That same priest found out about Notre Dame de Sion’s “La Solitude” community in Curitiba, and recommended it to me. Without knowing anything about the Congregation, I wrote to the convent to find out more. That was in 1970. Two years later, I went for a stay at La Solitude. Only then did I learn about the charism of the Congregation, which I fell in love with.
Today, after almost 55 years of convent life, I can only thank the Lord for calling me; I thank the Congregation for welcoming me, and my community for their mercy and kindness towards me. Difficulties? Struggles? There are plenty! But… isn’t that the human condition? Everything is with the Lord and for the Lord, through the hands of Mary, the Virgin of Sion, our mother and companion. I’m so grateful! And if you feel called, don’t hesitate – it’s worth it!
Sion has fulfilled my desire to give myself to the Lord in contemplative life
Sion has fulfilled my desire to give myself to the Lord in contemplative life. This branch of the tree of Sion that our founder Father Théodore desired from the beginning: “The main apostolate of the Daughters of Sion is exercised through prayer. We must return to our first idea of a hidden sanctuary, where the lamp of prayer will burn… This idea is very clear in my mind.” (Théodore Ratisbonne, 1852)
In 1910, while serving as Superior of the House of Sion in San José, Costa Rica, Mother Christine felt called by God to the contemplative life and understood that it was her duty to act upon Father Théodore’s wish. In her prayer, inspiration came to her: “Sion, my Sion of prayer […] it is not too late to think about it.”
It was not until years later, however, that this religious project came to fruition. On 31 October 1926, three sisters who taught at the Grand Bourg College in France left their apostolic community to embark on a life of contemplation: Mother Christine, Mother Désirée and Mother Marie.
I extend a warm welcome to those of you who feel called to religious life
I extend a warm welcome to those of you who feel called to religious life: reach out to us, and do not be afraid. I am a witness that religious life is worth living with fidelity and joy, especially in the contemplative vocation. We are called to live our vocation so that together we may build the Kingdom of God.