My name is Alicia Mitzel. On the morning of Wednesday, May 23 a group of 14 young women set out on a nun run to visit several convents. It provided us an opportunity to discern our vocations. Most of us are from Aberdeen, South Dakota; two are from Sioux Falls, South Dakota and one lives in Castlewood, South Dakota. Accompanying us were two adult female chaperons and Father Shaun Haggerty our priest.
A few of us know for sure that we are being called to be a sister or nun and are looking for the right order, but the rest of us are trying to learn and discern what God is planning for our lives. At the age of 14, I was the youngest in our group.
When I was 9 years old, I met the Little Sisters of the Poor at a conference in Denver, Colorado. I spent three days with them during the conference. I was strongly attracted to them because of my love for the elderly and the poor. Now after 5 years, I was really excited to see them again. We arrived at St. Mary’s Home on Thursday evening.
The next morning I learned that besides taking the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience the Little Sisters also take a fourth vow of hospitality. And they were very hospitable especially when showing us our rooms, having our beds set up and ready for us, and giving us a tour. They were even so kind as to walk us to the subway to get us going for our night on the town. The following morning we joined the Residents for breakfast and got a change to talk with them. After we finished, we went outside and played catch with them. They enjoyed it and so did we. The interaction greatly inspired me to try to get a group together and do it with the elderly in my hometown. Hopefully we will be able to do that.
Then after about an hour we went to the chapel where Father Haggerty celebrated the Mass. Having seen these Sisters (who so attracted me) doing their work, seeing them in their home, and their way of life was very inspirational. If the Lord wills that I become a sister in this order I will not complain for they truly lead a remarkable life, a life worth living.
Photo caption: (l to r) Alicia says goodbye to Mother Patricia.
Little visitor, big desire.