SISTER NICOLE GARCIA, OSB
Playing Madre-madrehan (role-play of being Sisters) when were small using towels as our veil, novenas before fiestas, Stations of the Cross and processions on Holy Week, the whole family praying the Angelus and reciting the Rosary together when the clock struck; also going to Mass on Sundays, birthdays, holy days of obligation, our parents’ anniversaries and visits to different churches for pilgrimages. All these prepared me for a life of prayer. My desire to hear Mass every day, reading of the daily Gospel before going to bed, my personal and frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament when I was in college also helped in one way or another in shaping my vocation.
It was in 2000 when I told myself that I would like to make my life meaningful by entering the convent when I reach the age of 33. One summer while on vacation from her studies in Baguio, my cousin asked me if I wanted to apply to be a Sister. So I teasingly told her, “Ok, get me an application form.” The next time we saw each other, she handed me a set of telephone numbers which, according to her, were the contact numbers of St. Scholastica’s Convent. But when I tried calling, it happened to be the Pink Sisters’ Convent and not St. Scholastica’s Convent. At first, I was wondering why I ended up calling the Pink Sisters instead of St. Scholastica’s. Besides, I was expecting an application form, as if I was applying for a job. (I just realized later that there was no application form to fill up, only spiritual life to live.) However, since the convent of the Pink Sisters was near our place, I tried to pay a visit and inquire from a Sister there.
Meanwhile, I got a job as a bookkeeper in an office in Makati. For two years I was contented and happy with my work. However, the thought of entering the convent would still come now and then.
Then I met Sr. Constance, one of our frequent clients, who would often buy Globe call cards from us. I had an opportunity to ask her some questions about the religious life which she willingly answered, even telling me her own life story as a Sister. I gave her my calling card, which in turn she gave to Sr. Madonna, our Vocation Promoter at that time.
When I had taken the test, I was told I passed, I decided finally to tell my family about my plan. They tried to dissuade me, giving me reasons why I should not enter. I was sad and I cried. But I held on to my decision and worked on completing my requirement. Surprisingly my family started helping me prepare what I needed.
Entrance day came and my Dad, relatives, and friends brought me to Marikina. Bidding them goodbye, I sobbed a great deal and copious tears rolled down my cheeks. It was difficult – a real struggle, but Faith moved me on, and in the end won.
