Remain in me, as I remain in you...

I didn't know Sr. Carmelita for very long, but I feel like I've known her all my life. 

Our paths crossed for the first time at the Solemnity of St. Francis Assisi on October 4th. On that very day, she laid her hands on me, blessed me and prayed for me, for my family, for my daughter. And like a moth drawn to light, I was captivated by the flame of faith burning within her kind eyes and her bubbly quietude.

She spoke with joy and giddy excitement about her upcoming diamond jubilee celebrations and invited me to her anniversary mass at St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish. Although I had just met her, I felt so honoured and so loved by the invitation that I cleared up my Saturday, and did everything I could to be there for her.

The call to discernment
​A few days later I sat with Sr. Carmelita in her office at the Pastoral Centre in downtown Calgary. We spoke about faith, family and her remarkable journey with the Lord.

Serving the Diocese of Calgary as a Caseworker for the Marriage Tribunal at the Canonical Services Department, Catholic Pastoral Centre, Sr. Carmelita leads a fulfilling life. She resides alongside two other sisters at the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary home in Calgary and attends St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish in Calgary.

Growing up in a humble neighbourhood in Manilla, Philippines, Sr. Carmelita fondly recalls the kindness, humility and goodness of her parents and the joys and challenges of being the eldest child. 

​With a twinkle in her eyes, she told me about hearing Jesus’ call for the first time when she was 10 years old. She describes God’s call as a very soft, gentle but persistent call. Her first thought was, “I cannot do it, surely God does not want someone as lowly as me.” She wasn’t even baptised then! But as she explained to me, she felt that she was gently being courted by Christ before the world had the chance. The discipline, modesty, and values instilled by her mother early-on made the transition into religious life gentle and palatable.

Sixty years of service and ministry
​Sr. Carmelita joined the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) when she was 22 years old and recollects her days as a young novitiate. A girl bubbling with delight and chirpiness learning the ways of silence, rigorous routines and discipline. She moved to Canada on mission after 25 years of religious life in the Philippines and made Calgary her home.

The first time she stepped on Canadian soil on a cold wintry day in December she was sure she would freeze to death, but the warmth and light of the Canadians kept her going. Just like the song she sang at her recent Diamond Jubilee reception, she attributes the faithful in the diocese of Calgary to be the sunshine on her shoulders. 

Six decades of religious life and Sr. Carmelita still talks humbly about being unworthy in the eyes of the Creator. She talks about chatting with Jesus every night before going to bed and asking for his grace and guidance. Her life in Christ truly begins and ends with the name of the Lord. 

Remain in me, as I remain in you."
~John 15:4

A beautiful celebration
​I felt an overwhelming love for Sr. Carmelita as I sat in Church during mass. The joy and reverence were palpable in the sacred space, and it was expressed by those around me.
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The words love, service and gratitude resonated  through the halls of St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish as Sr. Carmelita Cusay renewed her vows of poverty, chastity and obedience on the momentous occasion of her 60th anniversary as a religious sister. On Saturday, the 7th of October, the Church was overflowing with the faithful whose lives have been touched by Sr. Carmelita in more ways than one. The presence of the Holy Spirit filled my being as I witnessed God’s immense love for Sr. Carmelita and her unshakeable love for him. 

The main celebrant was Fr. Anthony Pudota, her colleague, spiritual director, and dear friend. Fr. Anthony crafted a beautiful homily focused on her life, her love for Christ and her ministry. Every sentence was exquisitely articulated, painting a brilliant (yet humble) picture of the person Sr. Carmelita is.

Fr. Anthony’s homily also spoke about the centrality of God’s love in Sr. Carmelita’s mission and the constancy of Jesus in her life. He shared with the congregation that Sr. Carmelita wanted to celebrate the day for one reason only -  to thank God. Her gratitude radiated from her and was felt by every single member present in the Church. The music, especially the hymns sung in Sr. Carmelita’s native tongue of Filipino, left many teary eyed. 

While Sr. Carmelita recited her vows, I couldn't help but feel a strengthening of my youthful faith and a fortification of my love for the Church.

Sr. Carmelita, carrying the light of Christ within her through her humility, warmth, and tenderness, brings Jesus to every person she meets. This experience made me feel chosen and inspired, calling me to serve His Church of encounter and witness, inspired by her examples.

Thank you for your beautiful service to the Church, Sr. Carmelita! May God bless you with a renewed mission as we enter this Season of Renewal in our Diocese. ​

More photos

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Written by Cecilia DMello for Faithfully. Cecilia lives in Calgary with her husband Neil and her two-year old daughter Azaelea. She attends St. Joseph's Parish in Calgary and is passionate about bringing young families to/back to Christ. She enjoys reading, painting, crocheting and hiking. 

​Photos courtesy of Bandi Szakony. View more photos from the celebration