“The Felician Difference” Vocation Reflection
By: Sr. Mary John Fryc
As an only child, I knew my parents were unhappy when I felt called to religious life. However, God provided a spiritual guide who helped me discern and follow His will.
After several years in the Felician Sisters community, my mother became seriously ill, and I offered to leave my religious community to help care for her. Later, when my father later developed congestive heart failure, I traveled home to help him. Through prayer and an unexpected connection in a parish bulletin, I found a doctor for him and was able to remain by his side during his hospitalization.
Knowing I needed to be closer to my parents, I asked my Provincial for permission to seek ministry near them. Through what seemed like Divine Providence, I learned of an opening in hospital pastoral care. During my interview, I was asked to comfort a Polish-speaking family whose loved one had died. After helping them, I returned to the office and was hired.
I could now live with my Felician Sisters near my parents while continuing my ministry. Even transportation to work was provided through the kindness of parishioners and a priest chaplain.
For years, I was privileged to minister to God’s suffering servants and their families while also caring for my parents, who both passed away in 1993. Throughout it all, God provided what I needed to fulfill both my religious vocation and my family responsibilities.
Yes, “All things work together for good for those who love and do God’s Will!”
This reflection was shared as part of National Vocation Awareness Week. Discover more stories of vocation from our sisters.
