Forging the Heart in Nine Months of Self-Development

In May 2026 I entered this congregation of Dominican Missionary Sisters of the Rosary. This is my ninth month and was accepted as a new postulant. Currently, I am in St. Catherine of Siena Formation House in Manila, Philippines.

Living here has brought many new experiences into my daily life. One of the most meaningful change is learning about other countries’ cultures and adapting a new lifestyle, to community life and friends. These experiences were not always easy as there were moments when I felt challenged, stretched, and unsure of how to respond. But over time, I began to understand that without these experiences, I would not learn what patience and a community life within the convent would mean.

I know it wasn’t easy, but I also believe that God has a plan for me. I trust that God allowed everything I went through so that I could grow in faith in Him. In the Holy Scriptures, God reminds us that faith can be as small as a mustard seed, yet it is enough because what matters is trusting Him. This has helped me realize that my reliance on God should not depend on my feelings. Whether I am happy, sad, angry, or annoyed, I must remember that God is first in all things.

Even now, I am still learning in my personal prayers. I am aware that my faith is still being formed, and that sometimes my words can feel incomplete. But I believe that God wants more than perfect language—God wants my heart, my sincerity, and my steady trust. He wants my faith, not just my expressions.

I am also grateful to my current community for allowing us to have a three-day retreat for discernment. Through that retreat, I was able to reflect more deeply on my life, my motivations, and where God is leading me. It helped me pause, listen, and continue trusting that I am being formed—not only in discipline, but also in love.

As I move forward, I pray that my faith will grow stronger with each day, and that my heart will continue to be shaped by God’s grace.

By: Postulant Maria Erlince Lae

Fairview, Quezon City, Philippines