What We Do
Sisters' Stories
Sr Helena Mitchell fmdm
My name is Helena, a veteran of 53 years as a professed member of the FMDM Congregation. During that time I have served in England, Africa, New Zealand and Australia since 1995. I thank God for the gift of life; the gift of faith, my family and FMDM congregation and my vocation; and if I had my life over again and God asked me to follow, I would gladly do the same.
My initial calling was from my interior encounter with Jesus at a young age. I heard a lot about Africa and the need for missionaries and the leper colonies need of help. On a visit to a Franciscan Monastery, I picked up a pamphlet about the FMDM sisters arriving in Zambia, and how pathetic it was to see the lepers etc. I felt and knew this was for me. When I told my mother of my intentions she was very distraught and cried. She never thought of such a thing. As I conversed with my friend Jesus - I made a pact - if I reach 21 years and things haven't worked out for me, I will get married and have a family and continue to enjoy life with my friends. Yet when I would be at a dance or concert etc, I would hear that interior call in love - it's not for you. A couple of years later, my parents gave their blessing on me entering Religious Life.
Vocation springs from that interior encounter with the love of Christ Jesus. I gave myself time, so my love in Jesus grew stronger than any one individual love, hence letting me be free to love everyone.
I entered in 1949 - many changes have taken place in our way of life since then. As we are called to conversion and reconciliation I had no idea how it was to take place. Like any of my friends entering marriage or single life, it is a pilgrimage, a journey of faith.
I have the support and prayers of my community and friends, where I learn so much from them - it is always a giving and receiving on my faith journey, as I am enlightened each day by the word of God, meditation, the wonderful privilege of Mass and sharing of the Scriptures in community.
At present I am involved in a Charismatic renewal prayer group, St Vincent de Paul, and help with the Franciscan 3rd Order ' Bendigo'. I am also a member of Rural Australians for Refugees - it is a very enriching encounter and experience.
As a Franciscan, 'doing' is not as important as 'becoming' - striving to do this through conversion and reconciliation. Through the Divine Motherhood - Mary is always there to strengthen me in my weakness and temptations and helps me find, in Christ, through the Holy Spirit the way to the Father. I praise and thank God for this grace and his faithfulness and love over the years.