Welcome to my blog! My name is Sarah and I am a member of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly known as the Loretto Sisters, in Toronto, Canada (www.ibvm.ca). I am blogging my journey through formation. I have just entered the stage of temporary profession.
Why did I choose to title my blog Love, the driving force? There are two reasons. First, while I was trying to figure out whether I should take the plunge and look more closely at religious life, any time I would pray, I would hear God asking me to be open to love. To be open to giving and receiving love freely. It was this desire to love that pushed me to investigate different communities. Second, when I stumbled across the website for the Loretto Sisters, the website banner caught my attention right away. Love: the driving force was the theme of the 400th anniversary of the Institute. It drew me in and caused me to look seriously at the community.
Love is what has brought me here, and love is what will lead me forward.
Love, the driving force: a journey of discernment 
Hi Sarah! I am very happy to know you took the plunge, ha ha, when I met you, you were thinking about it. I was thinking about my own plunge. I will bookmark your blog to walk with you spirituality. Here in the Cotonou mission, we have the salsian aspirantat and postulantat. Now when I see the girls here in their formation activities, they make me think of you in a special way. Be sure you will be in my everyday prayers and although quite far physically, we are close in spirit!! Lots of love to Toronto and write me anytime for anything, you have my email. 🙂
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And I’m so glad you are sharing your journey with us. Hope you have a wonderful long weekend, G
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Thanks, Geraldine! Enjoy the long weekend! 🙂
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Hi, Sarah! Finally I visit your blog and read your writings. I am happy because I feel that I am shared your journey to Jesus Christ by this blog. I will pray for you. Sometimes I will visit here, and meet you.
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Hi Sarah,
My name is also Sarah, I also live in Toronto, and I am currently working on my own discernment…. I have been feeling the Lord tug on my heart for many years but ignored those feelings… applied to grad school, am now almost finished my degree and am hearing the call of the Lord once more! Today I was sitting in mass and I asked the Lord for the courage to do His will and suddenly found myself in tears… I know that he will give me the courage to tell my parents (who do not believe) what I want to do with my life.
Hope perhaps that you can give me some guidance or advice, perhaps you know something about the different religious communities in Toronto? I am meeting with a potential spiritual advisor this week but I thought your help might be a real blessing.
Thank you and God bless
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
I just came across your blog when I did a search on “Let your cell teach you everything you need to know.”
I want to wish you the very best on your journey.
I profited greatly from the spiritual companionship of two Toronto IBVMs: Frances Nims and Olga Warnke. If you haven’t heard of them already, ask any of your sisters and they will share with you what amazing women they were. Olga in particular was an amazing resource for Ignatian institutes in returning to their charisms. She doesn’t get the credit she deserves regarding the renaissance of the individually directed retreat.
In any case, my best wishes to you as follow the charism of Ignatius and Mary Ward.
in Xto,
Marty Connell, SJ
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