Mary-Anne’s Journey

What were your misconceptions about your vocation before discerning it?

I always felt I’d just know what my calling was – but boy was I wrong!

I was lost after having finished Uni, moving home and the feeling of being stuck at a cross roads and not knowing where to turn. I’d describe it almost like trying to tune in to a radio station, and whilst I’d try to find the desired channel I could hear perfectly, I could hear from time to time noises from other channels, making me discern and try to listen. By doing this, I was able to then find that channel for me, my true calling.

Who inspired you on your journey?

There were many friends and family who have always inspired me to pray and listen, to stop and pause before action. As well as Br Damien Lundy and the many De La Salle Brothers I have lived and worked with, who inspired me to take time to listen to God, and to find God’s voice amongst all the interference in modern day life.

What was your greatest worry when discerning your vocation?

That I would get it wrong and live unhappy – and from time to time, I have had moments when I’ve thought, did I hear that correctly, like we all do with any big decisions we make.

How is the lived reality of your vocation different to how you had perceived it?

It’s hard work! No vocation is one that when you say “I do” to Christ, the jigsaw is complete and the cliché happy ever ending is complete. That purely is the beginning. The start of where life will take you next.

​​It’s not often I stop to think about this, but it certainly was very difficult and far more work at the start of our marriage, especially having left home the day we married and never returning was such an emotional element I hadn’t even contemplated. But, now nearly 5 years on, we may have settled in to life, but we still have ups and downs, and never, can we put our feet up and say job done – as there are three in the marriage and it always needs TLC.

How has living your vocation brought you joy?

In so many ways, from the small moments of companionship where you can feel Christ walking with us at the centre, to the amazing memorable moments and experiences we’ve shared exploring Gods creation. One incredibly special time was the day that Brett turned and said, “Yes I do believe”. We were in Krakow for WYD, which soon led to him becoming Catholic, and our marriage was enriched.

Sometimes, life can get so busy, but pausing to look at all the joy we encounter day to day is awesome. We try so hard to look at the small things, and count each of God’s blessings.

What have been the highlights of living out your vocation?

Our wedding day – it was amazing.

The many holiday adventures we’ve been lucky to experience, together.

Being able to share with others and demonstrate, especially amongst friends and young people, that the sanctity of marriage is very much alive and when you are called by God, it’s ok to say yes, and to stand (perhaps against the modern norms) and live life in the manner you choose.

What would you say to someone else considering following Jesus in the vocation of marriage?

Pray, take time to listen. If you aren’t sure, explore. Don’t feel like you can’t listen to the interference on the radio, for it’s only by doing this sometimes that we can understand that this isn’t our calling.

Don’t be afraid to follow what you have listened to. Have an open heart and mind, so that Christ can call and direct you, to enable you to fulfil his mission through his many disciples.

Mary-Anne and Brett

Thanks to Portsmouth Vocations who gave us permission to use this story from their Testimony Section.