Called by Christ: A Journey of Gratitude and Vocation

With a grateful heart, I praise and thank the Lord for the gift of our five‑day retreat in Baguio. Surrounded by peace and beauty, I was able to focus, reflect, and enter deeply into God’s presence. I am especially thankful to our formators, Sr. Rose and Sr. Tina, and to all the Novices, for guiding us in preparing more profoundly for our commitment to the Lord. The serene environment, nourishing meals, and—most importantly—the power of prayer made this retreat a true blessing. Through prayer, our minds were opened, our hearts stilled, and our spirits lifted.

On the first day, our theme was “Called by Christ”—God’s initiative in vocation and the grace of being chosen. I reflected on the question: When did I first sense God calling me? I remembered a sunset from my childhood. At 4 p.m., standing alone on a hill, I gazed at the sky painted with light. In that moment, I heard a gentle whisper in my heart: “Zelia, come and follow me.” I carried that voice within me until I finally answered through our Congregation. I now realize that Jesus truly called me—not because I am perfect, but because I am imperfect and loved. My vocation is a gift, and I embrace it with joy: living simply, sharing universal love, and following wherever He leads.

Through the Dominican identity, I learned to belong more deeply to Christ by living the four pillars: Prayer – The foundation of life. It keeps me faithful, deepens intimacy with God, and teaches me to live in truth. Without prayer, I can do nothing.  Study – A path to knowledge, helping me defend truth, articulate faith, and respond to the needs of our times. Community Life – A school of charity, patience, forgiveness, compassion, and humility. It calls me to live with joy, freedom, and openness to transformation. Mission – A call to serve, offering my life fully to God by evangelizing the poor and being present where the Church needs us most.

As I prepare to commit my life to the Lord, I reflect on the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience—a covenant of love. Poverty is freedom of heart, living simply and trusting God above possessions. Chastity is an undivided heart, belonging entirely to God and expressing love universally. Obedience is listening with humility and faith, discerning with trust, and surrendering to God’s will—not blind submission, but deep openness. These vows are not about losing, but about belonging fully to God. As Jesus said in Luke 9:23: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

To live these vows authentically, I must also embrace my humanity—my weaknesses, limitations, and brokenness. I ask myself: Am I allowing Jesus to form me daily? Often, I realize I am not fully open. I lack trust, I hesitate. Yet Christ invites me to let His grace transform me. Healing begins when I stop pretending everything is okay. I strive to practice the 3A’s: Awareness, Acceptance, and Acknowledgment. By doing so, I can live joyfully in community, grow in maturity, and become more free to love and serve.

This retreat reminded me that vocation is a gift, a covenant, and a daily choice. I am called not because I am flawless, but because God loves me in my imperfection. Through prayer, study, community, and mission, I walk the Dominican way. Through poverty, chastity, and obedience, I belong fully to Christ. And through awareness, acceptance, and acknowledgment, I continue to grow into the joyful sister He calls me to be.  

Zelia Francisca Antonia Maia- Novice, Quezon City, Philippines