Vocation Story of Sr Mary Juanita “Nenet” Daño, RGS
I had two dreams as a little girl. First, I wanted to be a PMAer like my uncle, a woman soldier, who could make a difference and be part of keeping the peace and order of our country. My second dream was that after I served as a peace-keeper, I dream of helping other people by becoming a nun with no particular congregation. Though I grew up in a life of poverty I was taught by my parents, teachers and the people in my neighborhood not to forget how to share the blessings I received.
The first dream was not sustained. With regards to becoming a nun, I thought it would not be attained anymore because I can serve already as a volunteer. But the Good Shepherd crook caught me in an unusual way. It was August 1992 that I met Sr. Mercy Ang, RGS, a missionary in Hongkong. It was only then that I knew of the Good Shepherd Congregation. When Sr. Mercy told us that in her congregation the Sisters could still wear rubber shoes and jeans, I thought the congregation was unique and not that conservative. A tiny voice told me that I might fit perfectly in this congregation.
In 1994, I still could not make up my mind. I already passed the interview with the Canadian Embassy and I was just waiting for my working visa. Unfortunately, the visa was not given to me. I decided to continue my work in Hongkong to help finance my youngest sister’s college education.
Then Sr. Mercy referred me to Sr. Concepta Bellosillo who explained to me what religious life is and introduced me to St. Mary Euphrasia. She advised me to meet the Sisters in Marycove and observe their life. She told me to keep in touch with Sr. Teresita Figueroa, Vocation Directress in the Philippines.
The first time I met the old Sisters, Sr. Mary Francis Flinn, an American, Sr. Cathleen, a Canadian and Sr. Marietta, a Chinese, I felt drawn by a strong force that I could not identify. Sr. Tess’ encouraging letters, Sr. Concept’s guidance and the old Sisters’ witness were instrumental to my decision to attend the Discernment Retreat in April 24, 1997 and enter Pre-Novitiate in June of that same year.
The Triune God is so consistent in giving me the graces I need despite the pitfalls and mistakes I made. Every time I feel unworthy of God’s call I could feel His guidance and love flowing concretely. The prayers and support of my family is also another blessings that contributed to my perseverance.
Religious life is not an easy path. There are times that I am confronted with realities of community living. Despite the difficulty, if I have to live my life again I would still opt to be a religious, specifically a Good Shepherd nun. Because I can feel I belong here. The desire to help others when I was just a little girl jived with what the congregation is doing. I am so glad about it. The reality of different personalities is a challenge. But I believe that like me, they too have an important role in the mission of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity God gave me.
