Sr. Theresa Samson, FMA
How and when did you first encounter the Salesian Sisters?I first encountered the Salesian Sisters at a high school retreat. As I pulled into the school driveway I saw a Salesian Sister playing basketball with a group of middle school boys. They were all having fun. I had never seen a Sister in a full habit playing with kids on the playground. I thought it was great! She liked being with the kids and they liked having her play with them. She was a good basketball player, too!
What attracted you to the Salesian Sisters?
I was a summer camp counselor at a Salesian Sister’s camp. Since I was not very familiar with the Sisters I was impressed by three things. First, the Sisters liked each other and playfully teased each other, just like families do. Second, the Sisters joined in the camper activities because they cared about them and wanted to have fun with them. Third, the Sisters frequently stopped in the chapel to say a little prayer because they believed in Jesus’ Eucharistic presence and loved Him very much.
I was a summer camp counselor at a Salesian Sister’s camp. Since I was not very familiar with the Sisters I was impressed by three things. First, the Sisters liked each other and playfully teased each other, just like families do. Second, the Sisters joined in the camper activities because they cared about them and wanted to have fun with them. Third, the Sisters frequently stopped in the chapel to say a little prayer because they believed in Jesus’ Eucharistic presence and loved Him very much.
What do you love about being a Sister?
I love being family with the Sisters in my community. We do many things together everyday, such as, praying, sharing meals, ministry and recreation. We look out for each other and enjoy each other. I love teaching the faith and enticing the young to love it and live it. It is my joy to see them grow in their friendship with God and express it in service to others. I love meeting young adults for spiritual direction. The peace and joy they experience in encountering the Lord and recognizing His presence and guidance in their lives fills me with joy and gratitude at being a channel of God’s grace for them.
I love being family with the Sisters in my community. We do many things together everyday, such as, praying, sharing meals, ministry and recreation. We look out for each other and enjoy each other. I love teaching the faith and enticing the young to love it and live it. It is my joy to see them grow in their friendship with God and express it in service to others. I love meeting young adults for spiritual direction. The peace and joy they experience in encountering the Lord and recognizing His presence and guidance in their lives fills me with joy and gratitude at being a channel of God’s grace for them.
What’s one challenge you faced in religious life?
A challenge I faced in religious life was trusting God to do well at a new and unfamiliar ministry. I felt some doubts about having what it takes to be a good 8th grade teacher. With trust in God and a willingness to try my best, I actually gained self-confidence and did well. On rare occasions when I meet past pupils today they share how much they enjoyed having me as their teacher.
A challenge I faced in religious life was trusting God to do well at a new and unfamiliar ministry. I felt some doubts about having what it takes to be a good 8th grade teacher. With trust in God and a willingness to try my best, I actually gained self-confidence and did well. On rare occasions when I meet past pupils today they share how much they enjoyed having me as their teacher.
How do you like to pray?
I like to pray in the early morning when it’s quiet and I’m alone in the chapel with Jesus. There I sit with Him and enjoy His love. I share my thoughts and feelings with Him and He guides, reassures, comforts and inspires me. This special time in my day centers me in Him and sets a tone of peace and joy in my heart. This carries into my day and into my interactions with others.
I like to pray in the early morning when it’s quiet and I’m alone in the chapel with Jesus. There I sit with Him and enjoy His love. I share my thoughts and feelings with Him and He guides, reassures, comforts and inspires me. This special time in my day centers me in Him and sets a tone of peace and joy in my heart. This carries into my day and into my interactions with others.
What’s your advice for young people?
See God as your Friend. Believe that He loves you and talk to Him everyday from your heart. Try new things. These experiences will help you discover your gifts and talents and how God is calling you to share them with others. Believe in Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist and receive Him every Sunday. He will increase your faith, strengthen you to live it, and make you happy even in difficult times. Go regularly to confession. It will free you to live a full and loving life.
See God as your Friend. Believe that He loves you and talk to Him everyday from your heart. Try new things. These experiences will help you discover your gifts and talents and how God is calling you to share them with others. Believe in Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist and receive Him every Sunday. He will increase your faith, strengthen you to live it, and make you happy even in difficult times. Go regularly to confession. It will free you to live a full and loving life.