Growing up as a Protestant in southern Michigan, I was incredibly blessed to have parents who took seriously their responsibility of raising me with faith. I didn’t think there was anything missing in my life until I met joyful Catholics for the first time when I was a teenager. Through their witness and friendship, I learned more about the faith — and found myself surprised by truth.
These friends invited me to attend a Catholic family camp, and it was there I first came to believe in the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, learned to pray the rosary and felt called to religious life. There was only one problem — I wasn’t even in RCIA yet!
I was received into the Church about a year later, and I kept my heart open to the Lord’s call. He led me to the Queenship of Mary Community in Ottawa, Ontario. Mary took me on a deep journey of healing and trust, and, thanks to her, I made my final vows in 2016. Mary has been not only my guiding star, but the sea carrying me home.
Sister Philomena, Daughter of Mary
Queenship of Mary Community
Ottawa, Ontario








