CALLED TO SERVE

SUSAN WHITNEY

Susan Whitney, right, is a candidate of the Sisters of the Divine Savior. Sister Mary Lee Grady, SDS, is Director of Candidates.

Susan Whitney remembers that her interest in religious life started when she was 6 years old. She was drawn to her parish church during school recess loving the beauty and the quiet. But her life took several abrupt turns. Her family was not supportive of a religious vocation and then she was diagnosed at age fourteen with a rare form of cancer of the tonsils. She recovered, earned a college degree in nursing, and practiced in several nursing arenas, including her own private practice. Life rushed forward.

Her cancer experience prompted serious questions about life, mortality and God. She was forever changed and continued her spiritual journey, seeking to deepen and strengthen her faith. She also attended “Come and See” weekends with several religious congregations.

“I wanted to become a sister and wanted to give God a chance to help me become more aware of how I could serve joyfully. I wanted to listen and respond with my whole heart.”

Years of spiritual direction led to her study and certification in spiritual direction. Then, while attending classes for catechist certification in Tucson, Arizona, she me Sister Jane Eschweiler, SDS, who was conducting the classes. Once again Susan felt the vocation call. Was it too late?

This past fall Susan entered the candidature of the Sisters of the Divine Savior in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During this year, she is learning what religious life is like—living in community, the personal and communal prayer and working in a ministry. “The main focus of the year is to balance community, prayer and ministry,” she explained. She is also continuing graduate studies in Pastoral Ministries and is writing her thesis, hoping to complete it by December 2010.

“It has felt so natural and comfortable with the Salvatorian Sisters. I have been encouraged to be my self and am affirmed for that. The Salvatorian family is there for one another and there is a place for everyone. I am grateful that our loving God never stopped calling me.”