Viriditas2: Soul Greening
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Despite encountering many problems, struggles and challenges — whether family, personal or work-related — I remain an optimistic person. I always look at the positive side of life. Of course, it is my personal relationship with God that keeps me moving and inspires me daily. I love the Lord.
Growing up in a simple family with my grandparents, uncle and older sister, I often wondered why my life seemed different from others. My peers in grade school all had parents. I knew my mother was supporting us financially, but she was not around. I also did not know my father. However, I never questioned the adults. I questioned God.
As a child, I would sit on the doorstep, stare ahead, and talk to him. It was a simple conversation. And from that, my love for him grew. Can anyone really explain why they love God?
Later in life, I learned to nourish this relationship through prayer exercises, meditation and retreats. Prayer is not just kneeling in church — it is being present to God anywhere and speaking to him.
After high school, I had a clear vision of my future. I wanted to be a teacher and a lawyer. With my friends, I took various university entrance exams.
However, I felt conflicted afterward. I sat on our house balcony, where we had a statue of the Blessed Mother, and poured out my thoughts to her. “I don’t know what to do. If my family can’t afford my education, I will become a working student. I will find a way, even if it means becoming a caregiver.”
Then, I thought of my classmate Cecil. She once told me she wanted to become a sister, and I had responded, “Why? What a waste.” Suddenly, I felt the urge to text her and ask what congregation she was joining.
“Can I join you?” I asked.
“Let’s go tomorrow,” she replied.
I hesitated. “I need to check my exam results at West Visayas University first.” My heart pounded with turmoil. I prayed silently, “Lord, what do you really want for me? I don’t know why I’m thinking of following my classmate. If I pass the entrance exam for my desired course, I will enter the convent.”
I passed. The turmoil grew stronger. As we rode a jeepney to Molo, I prayed again, “Lord, I am confused. You have really made me confused. Please give me one more sign. If I see five sisters together, then that will be your sign that you want me to enter the convent. Please, Lord, just one more sign.”
Unaware of my prayer, my classmate suddenly said, “Look, there are sisters over there.”
At an intersection, in the next jeepney, sat five sisters — no other passengers. At that moment, my heart and mind were clear. I thanked God for answering me.
This summer, my congregation will celebrate its 100th anniversary. It is truly worth celebrating because, without its birth, I wouldn’t be here.
Sister Apple Mea Tabsing is a Dominican Sister of the Most Holy Rosary from Manila. She is 12 years professed. Last year she joined the staff of St. Elizabeth School, Aiea, as the second grade teacher and choir director.
