University of St. Thomas

A Day in the Life of... a Myriam Companion
by Samantha Vosters

At a first glance, one might think there is nothing particular about being a Myriam Companion that sets us apart from other college students. I still dress normal, (though some of my friends debate that,) go to class, hang out with friends, study, eat, etc. Along with these "normal" activities, I am an enthusiastic Catholic and part of Myriam Companions, a women's discernment group on campus. Myriam Companions has opened my eyes and most importantly, my heart, to the true love of the Lord and to learn how to seek His perfect will for my life.

I started attending Myriam Companions last year when I developed a curiosity about religious sisters. I had never known any, and wanted to learn about their lives after a nudge from the Holy Spirit during a retreat. After talking with Claire Roufs, the vocations liaison, I was told that sisters from the Community of the Franciscans of the Renewal were visiting St. Thomas.

I was excited and scared—what would my friends and family think if I showed interest in the lives of sisters? Did this mean I HAD to be one? Since I was scared, but felt the Holy Spirit pull at my heart, I dragged my friend along with me for support. It was to be a very low-key visit—Mass, then bagels and breakfast and some time to chat with the sisters.

Nun Run 2007:  Sam Vosters (in pink) and the Passionist sisters.

I acted a lot calmer than I felt. I wondered, "What were sisters like? Did they shower? Were they boring and old? Were they grumpy?" I had never spoken to one before—were they awkward? As I walked in, I was greeted by two of the friars and two sisters. As I was introduced to the friars, they made some joke about Sam’s Club. I relaxed. This visit dissolved all fear in me--they were normal, friendly, even funny, and YOUNG!

This experience did not do what I feared it would do—ship me off to a convent—by any means. Actually, it allowed me to see more clearly how to love the Lord more. I could be open and not scared of such a vocation, if that was where God was calling me. It helped me to be open to talking to more sisters, to attend the Nun Run over spring break, and to be formed by the Lord in order that I might lead the Catholic Women’s Floor. These experiences allow me to help others seek the Lord’s will in their lives, especially in Myriam Companions.

We are women looking for the best possible way we can serve our Lord. We want to be totally on fire to serve Him. We may or may not be future nuns or sisters, and that is alright. Every third Thursday of the month, we gather in the Florence Chapel for an hour of adoration before our Lord. Afterwards, we partake in an evening of dinner and fellowship. It is a beautiful time to be surrounded by holy Catholic women seeking the Lord’s will in their lives. We pray together, eat, and hear about how the Lord is calling us into relationship with Him and how we can respond.

God is pouring Himself out for us every second. What are we giving in return? Let us take time to discover the radicalness of His call and respond with Mary’s joyful “fiat!”

Incline my heart according to your will, O God.