Parents, give thanks to the Lord if he has called one of your children to the consecrated life. It is to be considered a great honor — as it always has been — that the Lord should look upon a family and choose to invite one of its members to set out on the path of the evangelical counsels! Cherish the desire to give the Lord one of your children so that God's love can spread in the world.  What fruit of conjugal love could be more beautiful than this?

-Saint John Paul II

Dear parents and families,

When a young woman begins to discern God's call for her life, her parents and loved ones are, naturally, intimately part of her discernment.  When considering the beauty of their daughter and her God-given gifts and talents, parents often cultivate hopes and dreams for her, which are born of love for her and a desire for her happiness.  So, often a possible call to monastic life brings surprise, even fear, anger or grieving, and certainly many questions.  You are not alone.  

God's calling is not just an invitation for her, but for you as her loved ones - to surrender to Him and trust His plan, whatever it may turn out to be.  He knows our hearts better than we do and He knows what we need and what will ultimately make us happy.  It is only when we surrender to Him - and surrender to Him all we hold dear - that we are able to receive His peace and joy.  

Please be assured of our prayers for you and your family as you and your daughter walk God's path together.  May He grant you all the graces and blessings He knows you need.

God bless you, 

Dominican Nuns