During my younger years, the Lord allowed a lot of loneliness in my life. I was quiet and shy, and the church became my refuge; I always felt cared for by the priests and religious sisters there. I was intrigued by their joy and the presence of God so visible in them. This was something I wanted.
I started going to adoration, where my faith and relationship with Jesus became my own. When I finished high school, I served as a missionary for a year and then decided to seriously discern religious life.
Honestly, that time was hard; I didn’t know anyone else discerning or how to go about it. I often felt discouraged, but God continued to affirm my desire for this vocation. When I learned about the Benedictine way of life, I felt as if I were reading my own journal.
I knew I was being called to the Missionary Benedictines since my first visit, but I never imagined the abundance of joys and challenges in store for me. It is quite the adventure saying yes to God, wherever he may be leading you!
Sister Fidelis Marie Lanowich
Missionary Benedictine Sisters
Sioux City, Iowa








