As a Handmaid for last 15 years I can say that we are living in a time of epochal change and there for, of profound transformation not only in the socio- economic and political fields, but also in the cultural and religious context. The distinguishing characteristic of consecrated life is the exclusive commitment to the God quest. Religious are not called to live differently in this world, which all Christians must do but to create a different world which will offer a prophetic witness to- and sometimes against the values of – this world. This I can say with conviction and to share my own experience as a consecrated person I can say it began long back I can’t even trace out exactly. It all began as a dialogue with God and who was this God for me? It was Jesus who was introduced to me through the devotion of Sacred Heart by my mother. I fell in love with this person of Jesus whom I contemplated most of the time as a young girl and it is with Him I wanted to spend whole of my life. I was not much interested in doing because I believed in being , so I wanted to be with the Lord the rest of my life and from there to do whatever He ask of me.
During my formation the different formators made me to realize the goal and purpose of my life and that helped me to deepen my thirst for God who is the soul master of my life. As I grew in the religious atmosphere my passion for Christ and for His mission grew. I was content with the charism of Handmaids especially with the Eucharistic adoration where I could adore the Lord face to face. This Eucharistic adoration strengthened me to go forward in spite of any barriers. Each day the joy and enthusiasm increased and it was not that important for me what I was doing but the being gave me more inner strength to continue my journey.
I always saw my consecrated life as a pilgrimage where I am passing only once in life time and am called to do good, called to bring life. My prayer life helped me to build an intimate relationship with God and that became my boost to do any type of work that was entrusted to me with full zeal because I felt that is what the Lord was asking of me. There were also difficult moments where I struggled yet I never thought of breaking my journey and take another direction because in this process of my journey I have experienced God as a friend and as a soul mate, who is constantly there with me walking and guiding, protecting and caring. On this course of action I have realized that the supreme power comes from God and not from me. This many years of religious life has helped me to discover the strength of God’s love in my life.
- C. Benson says “As I make my slow pilgrimage through the world, a certain sense of beautiful mystery seems to gather and grow” I see my growth and my transformation. I believe that it is an ongoing process. I have learned to accept Gods will for me and my own vulnerability. I am strongly convinced that God never deserts me, I am proud to be a unique human being created in the image and likeness of God. I want to embrace my past with gratitude and walk towards the future with hope in the one who created and chose me. I embrace the present moment with the experience of wholesome conscious living. I remain faithful to my sacred holy self as an integrated being enjoying a meaningful life. I know that the mighty grace of fortitude centers me, protects me and guides me in all my accomplishments. I surrender to spirit and accept that I am an open channel for its whole expression. I want to be thankful for what I am, want to be creative and innovative. With the help of the lord I want to think differently and positively. And with prophet Jeremiah, it is good to confess and say: “Lord, you have seduced me, and I was seduced. You are stronger than I am and you have overpowered me” (Jer 20)
Sr. Suvarna Aci
Happy Birthday Sr. Suvarna!!!
