Sr. Regina Peterson, MSC

Sr. Regina is currently missioned in Ethiopia.

Even as a young child I thought about becoming a sister.  After visiting the sisters and participating in some of various missions, I realized this is what I wanted to continue to do.  What most attracted me was the variety of works the sisters were involved in, and that some of those works were with people, especially children, shunned by society.

God has been very generous with me.   And mostly, God recognizes how dense I can be and gently breaks through to me:  previous to entering the community, I spent one weekend monthly working with young girls in a residential facility … I most especially enjoyed worked with the youngest group of children many of whom had experienced abuse and neglect.  When I realized I had to make a decision about my future, I told the children I might not be returning.  One of the girls giggled and ran into my arms.  She said, “Oh, you’ll be coming back!”  When I asked how she could be so sure, she continued to giggle, buried her head in my shoulder and said, “because you love us.”  At that moment, every doubt in my mind and heart was put to rest.  God had heard my prayer and sent this angel with the answer.

Scripture passages: “Be still, and know that I am God” Old Testament; and “Love, as I have loved you” New Testament.  I also have a favorite quote from Mother Cabrini’s writings … she was kneeling at the altar in the Cathedral in France, and heard the Sacred Heart say to her: “Here I want you; here I will protect you; here, though you will have difficulty, you will succeed.”  Those words have become my mantra throughout the 40+ years of my commitment as a Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart.

…as an artist, sometimes I pray through my hands: clay has become a way that I most connect with the Creator.  Journaling keeps me focused on my relationship with Jesus, and aware of the many ways the Lord moves through my life.  Sometimes, I sit in silence and rejoice in a God who loves me unconditionally … that still amazes me!

I know, with every fiber of my being that I am loved and supported in this community.  This knowledge has allowed me to grow, to do and to be more than I ever could have dreamed possible.  Challenges, yes, but living with myself is the biggest challenge … I’m my worst critic.

[I feel this is pretty much answered in the first sentence of the above response]

Everywhere I have been, in the measure I have given myself to the ministry, I find the Lord walking and working with me.  Years ago, while training Eucharistic Ministers for the local hospitals, the priest who was on the team with me said to the group: “Appreciate that you are the healing Jesus … ministering to the suffering Jesus.”  … there are just some words and sentiments that have shaped my life and my ministry.

Read, do brain teasers, crosswords and Soduko.  Journal.  Walk,  Watch TV … especially home improvement shows … either that or Disney.  Visit with family.  Play with clay, paints, pencils and anything art.

Don’t be afraid to move into the silence … that space within yourself where God is waiting to speak with you.

Aside from Scripture, there are any number of books on prayer.  Yet, two that I have often recommended are

• Books: Why am I afraid to tell you who I really am … by Fr. John Powell
• Hind feet on High places … Hanna Hurnard