Rachael Orawski, Postulant

Kingsville, Ontario

I think I started wanting to know more about my Faith when I was in grade eight. I saw in my teacher something special I could not put my finger on, but as the year passed and he began to teach us religion and speak more about the Faith I saw that he had a real relationship with Jesus and it inspired me to want one too. I eventually became more involved with Parish activities, started attending Mass more, and to study the Faith. I had also joined a young adults group. Then something happened in my life that made me start thinking that God might be calling me to something, but I still didn't know what that was. Then when I was in high school we had a vocations day in religion class and my teacher had arranged that a sister come in and speak to all of us about vocations and particularly the religious life. It was from that moment that I began to think seriously about becoming a religious.

While I was discerning, I came to realize that it was very hard to find an orthodox religious community, so when I went for spiritual direction, I spoke with my director about it. It was he who had told me about the Sisters of Our Lady Immaculate. When he saw that I was interested, he telephoned the Sisters to set up a time for me to visit. My first visit was a retreat together with some other young women who were also discerning. After that, I came again on my own to visit on weekends and for some community events. After the retreat, I really felt strongly that God was calling me here so I made plans to come for the pre-candidacy week. After the week, I spoke with Mother and she gave me an application...I filled it out and now here I am! For me, being a bride of Christ is to become like Christ Himself, to be an image of Christ to others, to give myself fully to Him and to be a reflection of His love for others.