The aftermath of World War II was my beginning

Sr. Carmelita Cusay, FMM, Catechist (middle) with First Communicants in St. Joseph's Parochial School in Manila, Philippines, 1961.

“I remember being four or five-years-old, walking through the ravages of WWII feeling determined to make something good out of the chaos, destruction, death and suffering brought on by what I think of now as a senseless war.

My outlook on life then and now was inspired by a devoted and loving dad and a dedicated and faithful mom. They taught me to love others as God loves you, be good to others as God is to you and to be a giver and let God give you as much as He is sure to give – these are the lessons that I tried to live up to. My thoughts of becoming a nun were triggered by the musicale that was part of our graduation in 6th grade. I was asked to sing my role in the song: “I wonder what I’ll be when I am big someday.” I was told to sing: “ I want to be a nun (3 x) when I am big someday.

Although on the inside I said, No, I don’t want to! My heart softly pondered on the thought. ‘Will Jesus want me? A nun?’ Throughout those High School and early College years – that question, now growing into a kind of song, became a strong force that led me to sneak hours after school to spend time before Jesus in the Eucharist at our church. Mom sensed my silence. Dad was confident that something beautiful was being nurtured in me.

Eventually, when I decided to leave home, it was not so easy to leave. I said Au Revoir as well as come and visit me. My dad eventually said to me, ‘why would I not offer my dear child back to God? She belongs to Him. She is ours as His gift and should we not offer her, to Him as our gift in thanksgiving?’ So, this has been my journey. Now I’m serving in Calgary with the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM). There were rough roads, slippery roads, lots of smooth roads—a lot marked by many blessings.” 

If you would like to know more about becoming a nun, let's chat. 

​Sr. Carmelita Cusay, FMM | Religious Sister in Calgary
Caseworker for the Marriage Tribunal at the Canonical Services Department, Catholic Pastoral Centre.