Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter, FMA
What were you doing before you became a Sister? Before I was a sister, I was a first grade teacher in a small Catholic school in Queens, NY. During the summers to make some extra money, I worked as a secretary at Business Week Magazine in Manhattan.
How did you know that God was calling you to religious life?
It was actually a surprise! I actually felt called to be married and have a large family. After “accidentally” meeting a different congregation, I began to think maybe I could be a sister, so I began to visit this congregation.
What helped you when you were discerning?
Prayer, experiencing the life of different congregations, and listening to some wise advice from my cousin who was a diocesan priest.
What was a significant experience of God that you’ve had?
When I visited Haiti after the earthquake in 2010 and saw the resilience and joy they still had…very moving to experience the faith these people had in spite of such great suffering.
How and when did you first encounter the Salesian Sisters?
I met them by “accident” from a dear friend whom I also met by “accident”. In May of 1986, after already being accepted into another congregation, God lead me to the Salesian Sisters in Port Chester which was only a 45 minute car ride from where I lived
What attracted you to the Salesian Sisters?
Their joy, the fun they had with children, community life, style of prayer. They were faithful to the Church and, although “the habit doesn’t make the monk,” I have to admit I liked their simple habit.
What do you love about being a Sister?
I love our simple life of living in community and our prayer life. I love our charism among young people. I love that just by walking around in public, I can be a simple reminder to others of God’s love.
How did your family react when you told them you wanted to be a sister? How do they feel about you being a sister now?
My parents are both in Heaven, but because I was “daddy’s little girl”, he was not exactly too thrilled about it mostly, I think, because he was going to miss me. He eventually came around especially when my mom passed away and he saw the support I had from the sisters. My mom was happy and proud. She actually flew to Rome to see me make my first profession. Nothing I could say was going to dissuade her. That ended up being a good thing, because she had passed away already two years before my perpetual vows.
Who are your favorite saints?
Well, of course all the Salesian Saints! I do have a special spot for St. John Paul II since he was pope from the time of my youth.
What do you wish people knew about religious life?
That we are not perfect but we are also on this journey of life and striving to be good, holy people…it doesn’t come automatically just because I made vows.
How do you like to pray?
It depends…there is nothing like a beautiful uplifting liturgy for a special occasion. But for my personal time, I like to just sit quietly in chapel. I also love to listen to music…certain songs really help me to connect with God.
Any favorite saint quotes or bible verses?
“Love is repaid by love alone.” Apparently St. Therese took this from St. John of the Cross. I used to go to daily Mass at a Carmelite monastery in upstate NY when I visited my grandmother and this was written above the sanctuary. It always impressed me.
Any advice for young people?
Don’t be afraid to follow what you're passionate about…have courage! When you fall (and we all do) get back up and try again.