The Vocation Story of Sr Mary Clare Leones, RGS
Ever since I was a child, I started dreaming about my future life. One of those dreams was to have a beautiful house and a rose garden. Another was to become a nurse and go to the U.S. And my favorite dream was to go around the world and see people and countries.
Then in 1950 when I was in Grade 6, my family was in a great crisis because of my mother’s difficult pregnancy and childbirth. I was so scared and began to pray with my tears. God knows how much we needed a mother at that time. My mother lived, but unfortunately, the baby died after he was baptized in the hospital. In my gratitude, I promised God that I will become a nun and serve Him for the rest of my life.
In college, I took up Education in St. Louis University in Baguio City. It was there that I heard about the Good Shepherd Convent near Mines View Park. When I went there with friends, the first thing we saw was the small store. They were selling artificial flowers so exquisitely made and strawberry jam. What impressed me much was the Sister who was so warm and hospitable and beautiful by the way she entertained us.
I continued the rest of my college education in Centro Escolar University in Mendiola, Manila. I lost my contact with religious. What sustained my spiritual life was the discipline, prayer, recollection and retreat given by good priests. Although I promised before that I would become a nun, I wasn’t so sure anymore.
After graduation, I landed a teaching job in St. Paul College, Q.C. I oftentimes visited my aunt at Loyola Heights and every time I passed through 1043 Aurora Blvd, I was filled with a sense of mystery and peace that something special is contained in that place not knowing that it was the Good Shepherd Convent. I also have relatives (Sr. Magdalen Brillantes and Sr. Maryanne Terrenal) who entered the convent but I did not know it was with the Good Shepherd congregation.
One day, a townmate of mine who used to teach at St. Domitilla’s School (now St. Bridget School, Q.C.) told me to apply there for it is nearer Project 3 where I stayed. To my surprise the location of the school is 1043 Aurora Blvd. There I met Sr Lulu Fabia and Sr. M. Divine Child. They welcomed me with warmth and graciousness. I felt at home right away and was accepted as a teacher.
During my second year, I met Sr. M. Christine Tan, the aspirant directress then. Now I recalled my promise to be a nun and prayed that God would help me. I was of age and free to decide; I was accepted as aspirant in October 1961
I went home to Abra to inform my parents; they were one with me in my decision. After all, it was from them that I saw the example of giving service to others.
On March 2, 1962, I went to Los Angeles with Sr. Aida Abano ( Sr. M. Tarcila), Tess Dizon formerly Sr. Celestine in religion.
God has been so good all the time. He continues to sustain me throughout my religious life. I had difficulty relating to different types of Sisters, homesickness, getting up early to pray. I overcome all with God’s grace.
My vocation as a Good Shepherd Sister is still a mystery to me, a gift from God. I am doing my best that I will carry with me the spirit of Jesus the Good Shepherd. I have no regrets whatsoever in my chosen life. All my fondest dreams are fulfilled. I realized what a tremendous gift my vocation is to me that the older I become, the more I appreciate my vocation.
