|
Sr. Lucy St. Hilaire
Providence is a family affair for Sister Lucy St. Hilaire, whose sister and aunt also have given their lives to the community.
She now lives in Portland, Oregon, where she once served as a hospital chaplain, and now volunteers at the Providence Child Center.
Vocation? Calling? Invitation?
I grew up in a very Catholic family. My parents made great sacrifices so that we children could attend a Catholic school. My three aunts, my father's only sister and my mother's two sisters were all Sisters. I think it was very natural that I should entertain thoughts of becoming a Sister, but it was in sixth grade that I began to pray earnestly that God would call me to become a religious.
My teacher that year was Sister Dolorosa, not only an excellent teacher, but a model of kindness, enthusiasm, gentleness, joy, and all those other qualities so important to a young girl.
My understanding of vocation was that God called and we answered.
How would I know if God was calling? How would I know that it wasn't just my "want"?
Throughout the rest of my school years, grade and high school, my tête-à-tête with Jesus after weekly Communion included a plea for him to call me and for me to know I was being called.
I spoke to no one about my desires until the retreat of my junior year. I finally got the courage to approach the retreat director about my dilemma. His encouragement at that time was very helpful. God's call was the desire I was experiencing.
However, in my senior year Mother became pregnant and delivered shortly before my graduation. As my sister Alice had graduated the year before and had remained at home, I recognized that she should have the first opportunity to enter if God was calling her. I put off my plans and told her I would wait and stay at home a year if she planned to enter. Only years later did I learn that that conversation was the impetus she needed to bring her to a decision.
God's calling is an invitation for which I have always been grateful. The graces and blessings of the past 58 years have been sprinkled with challenges, struggles, joys and peace. I have never been sorry that I asked, "Please," and God said, "Come."
What interested you in Sisters of Providence?
I was taught by the Sisters of Providence for 12 years. The sisters were always very important to me and there were some I thought a great deal of. When I was in sixth grade, I decided I wanted to be a sister. I never talked about it, but when people would say, "You would make a good sister someday," I would get defensive. It was my deepest desire, but not something I wanted to share with anyone.
What kinds of ministries have you done as a Sister of Providence?
I taught school for 27 years and then worked at St. Joseph Residence in Seattle. After that, I came to Portland, where I was trained to become a chaplain.
What do you enjoy most about the Portland community?
The people. I really enjoy the openness and sharing and prayer. Here, we meet daily for prayer or faith sharing and with a larger group once a month.
How have you seen Providence in your life?
I have seen Providence in all of my experiences. Even in those that were difficult and painful. Those experiences were Providential — they were a gift.
Have you seen Providence in the people you serve?
Very much so. I think I saw it more in my work as a chaplain. I have recognized the gift that people are to me when I minister, because they also minister to me. The little children at the Providence Portland Child Center are a different experience because you spend time with a youngster who may or may not respond to you. But I definitely see God's Providence in those little ones. I'm always in awe of the people who work with the children. The love, respect and reverence they have for those little ones is wonderful
What does it mean to be a Sister of Providence?
It's the community, the living with other people who share and care about you. They are a part of you.
Top of Page
|
