Viriditas2: Soul Greening
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Lead me, Lord, lead me, Lord
By the light of truth
To seek and to find the narrow way
Be my way, be my truth
Be my life, my Lord
And lead me, Lord, today.
These words, taken from the song “Lead Me, Lord,” by John Becker, have accompanied my prayer for a number of years now.
When I entered religious life, I chose as my motto: “Trust.” After more than 56 years of religious life, I still hold on to that word every single day as God continues to lead me forth.
Trust has shaped everything, from my early years as a classroom teacher to my current role as fundraising director.
I never imagined working in this ministry. I had no experience. When I was assigned the task six years ago, I remember thinking, “How am I going to do this?” The only answer I found was prayer.
Prayer helped me find another level of meaning in the new work, because you realize you cannot do it alone. All you can do is pray. I often find myself telling the Lord through different challenges, “I do not know what I am doing, but you do.”
What also gives me strength is knowing this work is for the good of the congregation.
For example, after 100 years, we are finally moving toward building a decent facility for our older sisters who have faithfully served for so many years in the various apostolates.
We are also launching several advocacies to sustain our mission spiritually, financially and vocationally. These advocacies include:
Vocation and formation: Helping sisters attend classes and workshops to enhance retreats and renewals.
Care in Kenya: Supporting 22 handicapped children in our care with the equipment they need to flourish.
Education: Maintaining the quality of education in our schools.
Lay associates: Providing spiritual formation and ministerial training.
Thanks to Dr. Glenda Miro Antonio, founder and president of Spring Rain Global, these programs are taking shape. Her vision has been a catalyst for this dream.
In the midst of all this planning and responsibility, my spiritual life has changed.
When I was younger, I struggled in knowing how to listen to God. My prayer life was full of words. It was always Leonarda talking and talking.
But now, I hear God saying, “Leonarda, pay attention. Listen. Empty yourself so you can hear me.”
Today, I speak less and listen more. That has become the root of my spiritual practice.