Language is inadequate and too limiting to express how I felt when I sensed God’s presence deep within me that day.
I was nine years old and I had received the sacrament of first Communion. It was a key moment in my life, an experience of profound love, deep satisfaction and joy.
From then on, I started feeling a desire to be closer to God. I could not think of a better way than to become a religious, and I kept my hopes alive until I was a proper age. I saw the nuns in my parish — Virika Parish in Fort Portal, Uganda — how they would come to church and pray, visit the sick, feed the hungry. I wanted to be like them in their service. I prayed to God to show me the right path and I believe that God directed me to Holy Cross.
I came to know the congregation from a friend who also happened to be interested in religious life. We shared our dreams and hopes during my years at nursing school. We both decided we would visit two congregations. The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross happened to be the first, and from that day I never looked back. I had found my home.
To young women seeking their vocation I offer this advice: Take time and listen attentively to the Spirit within. Discern your feelings and ask God to guide you in each step that you take.
Sister Lillian Nyakaisiki graduated with a master’s degree in global health from the University of Notre Dame in July 2015 and has returned to Uganda to serve in health ministry. She made her initial profession as a Sister of the Holy Cross in September 2005.
