By: Renee Webb
Excerpt from: The Catholic GlobeSister Teresa of St. Augustine, O.C.D., formerly Nicole Marie Morlok who was raised in Manning, professed her perpetual vows as a Carmelite Sister of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles in Alhambra, Calif., on July 17.
“I am filled and overflowing with joy, peace and gratitude to God, my family and religious community,” she said. “The perpetual profession was a profound outpouring of the Holy Spirit into my soul and the profession is united to the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass. At every Mass, I am reminded of the vows that I professed and of my total consecration to Christ.”
Sister Teresa, the daughter of Ron and Jane Morlok who are parishioners of St. Lawrence Parish in Carroll, said there is joy and peace in knowing that she has responded to Christ’s call of love.
“The experience of deep union with God, of belonging totally to him, and surrendering my entire self to him is a beautiful mystery that is difficult to put into words,” she said. “By profession religious vows, I am living my baptism to a greater fullness and truly, I am wedded to Christ my spouse.”
“During Eucharistic adoration, I experienced Christ’s true presence in the Blessed Sacrament and his healing love for me,” she said. “This started a deepening prayer life that was the beginning of my discernment of a vocation to religious life. I began to ask the Lord what he wanted for my life.”
In the summer of 2002, Sister Teresa was part of the first Totus Tuus team to minister in the Lincoln Diocese. She recalled telling a teammate she was considering becoming a sister.
That summer at the close Mass of World Youth Day in Toronto, St. Pope John Paul II’s words from his homily remain emblazed in her mind and heart. Just as if he was standing next to her, speaking directly in her ear, the pope said, “If you know in the depths of your heart that you are being called to the priesthood or consecrated life, do not be afraid to follow Christ on the royal road of the cross.”
Click here to read more at The Catholic Globe and find out about the three-fold grace with her name.
The Catholic Globe also has an article from Sr Teresa’s parents’ perspective. Click here to read.
