The story of my Vocation 

 

I'm Sr.  Mary Ingrid  belonging to the Congregation of the Carmelite Religious (CCR). 

I Would like to share my vocation story. 

I'm Sr.  Mary Ingrid nee Mini Lawrence.  I'm coming from a middle class family.  I'm the daughter of  Late. Mr. Lawrence Simon and Mrs. Marykutty.  My parents were simple and God fearing. They brought me up in their best way possible.  I'm the youngest daughter of my parents. I have a sister.  

My childhood memories are in an around with religious sisters in a particular convent, in my native place. I completed my schooling from  St. Joseph's Convent Girls High School Tuet, Kollam, Kerala. 

A year after my 10th std. I approached Sr. Mary Evangelist  the then Headmistress of my school and said about my desire of joining the convent. I spoke to my parents.  They gave me consent. I joined on 6th June 1996. My Parents uncles and aunts came to reach me at the convent. 

As I reflect on my committed and vowed life, I feel privileged  that God has chosen me from the millions to work  in his vineyard. This gives me a sense of  joy and fulfillment . It's a journey that requires effort, patience, and perseverance. For me, living a life of commitment and fidelity is not just about following rules or fulfilling obligations. It is about living a life of love, and being transformed by that love. Of course, this life  isn't always easy. There are times I stumble and fall , there are times when I feel like giving up, when the road ahead seems uncertain, or when I'm faced with difficult choices.  But in those moments,  I remind myself of the love that has called me to this life, and the love that sustains me every day. Every day, I strive to live out this commitment in the simplest and most ordinary ways. Whether it's through prayer, service, or community life, I seek to be faithful to the promises I have made. This is the whole mark of my life. Jesus is the heart of my vocation. When I made my vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, I was making a promise to God and to my community to live a life of radical commitment. And so, I pray that I may continue to live a life that is pleasing to God always.

As I stand at the threshold of my Silver Jubilee,(2000-2025) I am filled with a sense of awe, gratitude, and wonder. Twenty-five years of consecrated life have passed, and yet, it feels like just yesterday that I made my first vows. Looking back, I am reminded of the countless ways in which God has been faithful to me. I think of the moments of joy and sorrow, of triumph and struggle, of growth and transformation. Through it all, God has been my rock, my guiding light, and my constant companion. As I reflect on my journey, I am also aware of the many ways in which I have been blessed by the people and experiences that have shaped my life. My community, my family, my friends – all have played a role in helping me to grow and to deepen my commitment to God.

As I celebrate this milestone in my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of consecrated life. I pray that the next chapter of my journey will be marked by continued growth, deepening commitment, and joyful service. May God continue to guide me and sustain me, and may I always remain faithful to the call that I have received.

Thank you for being part of my life