Sr. Marife Mendoza, FDNSC, Philippines

Let me begin with my family where I believe the first seeds of my vocation were planted. My parents raised us all in the Catholic faith. My father was a medical doctor (he died in 2002) and my mother is a retired nurse (she turned 80 on May 9, 2014). I am the eldest of seven children. My parents were active in church activities and they brought us, their children, closer to the church.

I believe it was Divine Providence that led our family to Central Luzon State University in Munoz, Nueva Ecija – the place where our sisters built our first community in the Philippines in 1968. The first group of sisters who came to the Philippines consisted of two Filipina sisters, one Australian, and two Spanish sisters. Our family lived inside the campus of Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and we had as our chaplain Fr. Reinier Van Glansbeek (Dutch MSC) who played a major role in the development of my vocation.

Soon after I finished my university studies, I kept my contact with Fr. Glansbeek and the sisters. In November 1980 I joined the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart as an aspirant. I made my first profession in 1984. Then in 1989 I made my final vows. I was in formation ministry for more or less 15 years before I was appointed Regional Leader, a post which I held for two terms (six years). In 2006 I became a member of the FDNSC International Formation Team.

One of the greatest gifts I have received from God is the call to be a Daughter of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Our way of life excites me! Our mission excites me! Our internationality excites me! Each day, I thank God for this precious gift and responsibility and I ask him for the grace to remain faithful to my commitment. There is a reason for us to be in this world, at this time, in this place. For us, it is AMETUR!

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