"I stand on the brink of responding publicly to God's call in my life. In July 2003, I am to become a Consecrated woman living in the world of today. I shall belong to the Order of Consecrated Virgins in the RC Church.

To me, it means that God has called me to a chaste, celibate life, in irrevocable spousal relationship with Him. My life continues in the gifts of service God has given me both at work and in the local church of my diocese. Overriding all, is God's call to prayer.

I recall my early years loving God fervently. In my late teens, I felt a wish to enter religious life but faced parental opposition. Years later, a spiritual director presented me with a verse, Ps 45:10,11 which made me baulk at the prospect of a religious life vocation! Nevertheless, throughout the years, I have felt deeply drawn to God. My spiritual journey has led me to "stretch my legs" (as my Bishop noted) into various Christian Churches as a committed single Christian, happily so, until quite unexpectedly, one day, ten years ago, God drew me back to the RC Church. Here, back to my roots, my love for God has slowly deepened all the more through the sacraments of the Church.

God's call to me came simply through seeing the heading "Consecrated Women", in an article printed in "Catholic Life". At once my heart responded YES! I chose to hide this within me, watching to see if my YES ever diminished, praying God's will, over the course of a year. However, I did contact the author of the article, a Consecrated Woman here in the UK. There are about 150 Consecrated Women in this country.

After a year, I met a gathering of OCVs and felt bonded at once with them. I shall never forget such heavenly joy as I came away at the end of that day. I subsequently talked with my Bishop, seeking his admission to the Consecrated life.

As the day approaches (13th July 2003), I have felt very daunted both by the call and knowing who is being called... me? Yet, God has brought me through my fears. His Word is a lamp unto my feet. Ps 116 v 12 steadied me. Best of all, His personal proposal," Will you be mine?" YES! has anchored me.

God's call has brought my whole life into focus, giving it meaning, purpose and fulfillment. It is simply a joy to offer God my life as He calls me specially for Himself and the service of the Church, His Body."


Ruth Durham