Viriditas: Soul Greening
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
One day I went to my parish priest, my co-brother, Father Joseph and said, “Father, can you take me out of the school and just keep me in the parish? I really enjoy going out to those in need and ministering to them.” He said, “The parish has no money to pay you.” Sometimes he does joke. So I said, “I don’t want money, just deal with my superiors. I want to go where the people are sick and where they cannot come to church. And, to bring back those that have left the church.” But, God has God’s plans, and what does my life serve if I said “yes” to God and do not go where he leads?
From the very beginning of my entrance to the convent, I did not want to go into the field of education. There were just too many things to be done such as grading students’ achievements and other paper works. Thus, when my superiors told me to go for studies, I was not happy. After beginning the coursework in the Philippines, I was eventually sent to the Pontifical Faculty of Educational Sciences Auxilium in Italy to complete it.
Going to school in Rome was also physically hard as each day I travelled two and a half hours (one way) by bus and train to reach the school from Ostia. After a year, I went to the superior and said, “Mother, this is not in my line. I want to work in something that deals with mass communication or technology; I can do that well.” She said, “You sacrificed a lot already, just continue.” Following the completion of my studies, another challenge arose — my thesis needed to be in Italian. I was also up for final vows, which I did not want to take yet because of my thesis. And, being human, I was also interested in someone I knew.
During one community adoration, I placed all of this before the Lord. I bargained saying, “Lord, if it really be your will to follow you — you knowing all my weaknesses and my youth — then let that stick of incense be a sign. If it falls into ash, I will not continue in my vocation; if it doesn’t, then I will remain.” After an hour, the consumed incense stick had bent over as if reaching to kiss the floor without breaking apart. After my superior closed the tabernacle door, I went over to it. Just as I touched it, it immediately crumbled and I heard a voice speak to me deep within, “Why Rovie, why? I just need a little of your faith.” I cried.
Hawaii is a beautiful place and the people are very welcoming. Here, I feel I can give something to God. Even though I still struggle with teaching, I know that I am only God’s instrument. When I see the tears of the children as they pray for their parents or loved ones, or those who are sick during our bible reflection periods, I know they are really touched by God. That is my consolation. Everything is the grace of God.
Sister Roviesa Orias Jadlocon is a Missionary Sister of Faith from Southern Leyte, Philippines and is 13 years professed. She teaches religion at Sacred Hearts School in Lahaina and helps in the parish outreach ministry. She resides with other members of the growing community in the convent at Sacred Hearts.