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Jovie Ann Decoyna is a 24 year-old woman who has been living in the Corazon Community with Sr. Romualda Molon, MSC, in Baguio City, the Philippines. During this time, Jovie has been pursuing her studies in nursing and recently, she scored the highest out of 89,000 nursing graduates on the National Nursing Licensure exam. Jovie reflects on her spiritual journey
How did you discern Gods call to be a Cabrini Companion?
After attending the Circles of Discernment for a year and interacting with the MSC sisters, I realized how those meetings and interactions have been changing and molding me. It has assisted me in my spiritual journey; thus, I decided to become a Cabrini Companion to stay connected to the Missionary Sisters, their mission and charism.
What have you learned about community prayer and mission as a result of your time with the MSCs?
My time with the MSCs has opened my eyes to the realities of community life. The interactions and relationships formed within the community have aided me to become a better person. The challenges in the community such as transitions and adjustments to people with different backgrounds, cultures, ages, races and states of life has honed my interpersonal skills and has facilitated my emotional, spiritual, and relational growth.
There are also activities in the community including community prayer, household responsibilities, sharing stories at meal times, spiritual formation, and recreation which present a picture of a family where each individual is given different opportunities to develop.
How have your experiences deepened your commitment to God and Gods people?
My personal experiences and my experiences in the community have helped me more to realize how God loves me. I believe that He has been leading my life and providing the graces I needed to remain committed and faithful to Him. God has surrounded me with people who provide the support and encouragement that I needed especially during times of desolation. This has helped me realize that God is constantly and steadfastly loving me in whatever state I am in, either in times of consolation or desolation.
What support helped you to live your commitment faithfully?
The support that Im getting from the community, from the sisters and from the other members, have helped me live my commitment. Likewise, the individual direction, COD sessions and the spiritual formation activities in the community have further contributed to my determination of remaining faithful.
What advice would you give to anyone who is searching and wants to commit her/his life to God?
Discernment is a very important aspect in decision-making. It also involves a lot of prayer and is constant source of support to help you remain committed once youve already made a decision. Committing your life to God is very challenging and demanding but also, doubtlessly, a rewarding journey.
Read past "Companions on the Journey" stories...
Learn more about Mother Cabrini
Read more about the Missionary Sisters
Learn more about the Cabrini Lay Missionaries
Discover more about Cabrini Mission Corps
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