Sister Maria Augustine, O.C.D.

Sister Maria Augustine

of the Holy Family (Batres), O.C.D.

 Date of Entrance: September 14, 2012

Praised be Jesus Christ! Only by God’s grace have I reached this point of preparing to make my Perpetual Profession. I am super grateful to our Lord for the gift of your prayers, your love, your support, and for the gift of your friendship throughout these years. The power of prayer is priceless and the gift of friendship carries one through a lot. Thank for sharing this time with me. Be assured of my prayers for you, interceding for your needs and those of your families.
With much love and gratitude,
Sister Maria Augustine, O.C.D.

Get to know Sister:

Where are you from?

Pomona, CA

How did you find out about the sisters?

I expressed interest in Religious Life when I spoke with my brother, Fr. Miguel, and he told me he knew the perfect community for me and told me about the Carmelite Sisters.

What first drew you to the community?

I was first drawn by the visible joy and the attentiveness to each person as an individual and meeting us where we were.

What is one of your biggest joys of living Religious Life?

One of my biggest joys is living in community, living as a family, but a family all striving toward the same goal: Eternal life, union with God. It looks different in everyone’s walk of life, but it is like a symphony being composed, which culminates in heaven.

What advice do you have for those who may be discerning a call to Religious Life?

Pray every day to our Lord, that He may give you the grace to be open to accept His holy will, that He may make clear for you the path to take and that He grant you the courage to make that leap of faith. The last thing one wants is to live with regret the rest of their life saying, “What if…”. Take that leap. Our Lord will only make things more clear for you.

What are your thoughts as you prepare for final vows?

I am so excited! I can’t wait! Throughout the years when I have witnessed other Solemn Professions and even just the renewal of our vows, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of impending doom. I understood the severity, the gravity of the vows that were being made and it was beautiful, but it also scared me. Could I really live this for the rest of my life? As the years have passed, our Lord has led me into a deeper relationship with Him. In His great mercy and through His grace, He has filled me with a sense of security, a sense of being deeply known and loved by Him regardless of my past. I feel a strong conviction that THIS is right.

One of the life lessons you’ve learned while in Carmel?

A life lesson I have learned in Carmel is the importance of always keeping your gaze on Jesus. No matter how tough things get or better, especially when things get tough, because they will, hang on to Jesus with all your might. Don’t allow your thoughts, worries, etc. to distract you in prayer. He is there, He wants to fill you with His presence and grace, to strengthen you, to help you, but you have to be open to receive it. And, oh, what miracles happen! What transformations occur! What beautiful gifts He gives! It all works out in the end according to His loving plan.