Sr. Christina Chong, FMA
What helped you when you were discerning?After I felt the initial call, I made a commitment to specifically and intentionally pray about my vocation. Near my office in New York City, there was a parish that had several daily masses and an adoration chapel in the basement. So every day, during my lunch break, I would go to mass and then go downstairs in front of the Blessed Sacrament and ask very directly, “Lord, what is my vocation? Please give me the strength to follow your will.” In the beginning I was very closed off to the idea of becoming a sister. I didn’t know anyone else who was discerning religious life and I kept thinking to myself “I’m normal! I can’t be called to something like that!” But over time, God gradually helped me to open my heart to the idea. I also tried to regularly receive the sacrament of reconciliation and would meet with a spiritual director once a month. After I had been discerning for several months I also finally shared my journey with one or two close friends who were a great support to me and encouraged me along the way.
What attracted you to the Salesian Sisters?
I didn’t know what to expect the first time I visited the convent. But after spending the weekend praying with the sisters and seeing their life up close I really felt that this was where God wanted me. I felt a sense of home. Another thing that I noticed about the Sisters was that they lived their spirituality walking side-by-side with the young people. For example, I remember going to an outdoor youth event where there were many different orders of religious sisters present. For mass most of the religious sat to the side in a separate section, but I noticed that the Salesian Sisters sat right on the ground next to where all the young people were. That style of interacting and being present to the youth really impressed me.
I didn’t know what to expect the first time I visited the convent. But after spending the weekend praying with the sisters and seeing their life up close I really felt that this was where God wanted me. I felt a sense of home. Another thing that I noticed about the Sisters was that they lived their spirituality walking side-by-side with the young people. For example, I remember going to an outdoor youth event where there were many different orders of religious sisters present. For mass most of the religious sat to the side in a separate section, but I noticed that the Salesian Sisters sat right on the ground next to where all the young people were. That style of interacting and being present to the youth really impressed me.
What do you wish people knew about religious life?
How much joy there is in following God’s will for your life. God knows you even better than you know yourself and He wants what is good for you. He knows how He made you and how you can best be a gift to others. As St. Irenaus said, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” To live for God is a joy and a gift. You may feel like you are giving up so much, but God is never outdone in generosity. He loves us personally and intimately.
How much joy there is in following God’s will for your life. God knows you even better than you know yourself and He wants what is good for you. He knows how He made you and how you can best be a gift to others. As St. Irenaus said, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” To live for God is a joy and a gift. You may feel like you are giving up so much, but God is never outdone in generosity. He loves us personally and intimately.
Any favorite quotes?
“The happiness you are seeking, the happiness you have a right to enjoy, has a name and a face: it is Jesus of Nazareth!” - Pope Benedict XVI
“The happiness you are seeking, the happiness you have a right to enjoy, has a name and a face: it is Jesus of Nazareth!” - Pope Benedict XVI