February 10, 2002 was indeed an important date for us, pre-postulants, not only because it's the PDDM Foundation Day but also because we entered postulancy that same day.
In a simple rite, Sr. M. Peter Evardone accepted us to postulancy, while the sisters and some Friends of the Divine Master witnessed.
As Sr. M. Peter started to explain what is postulancy supposed to be, I started to get nervous because I know postulancy is more serious compared with the previous stage.
On the other hand, my desire to become part of the Pauline family also prodded me to look into what I need to do in order to be worthy of this sublime vocation which necessarily includes detachment.
Only in this way will I be more free to follow Christ.
As a whole, I would say that I am very happy that I am already a postulant. Happy and nervous, but at the same time courageous to strain forward and continue the journey. May this stage of my formation bring me to say: "I live now, not I, but Christ lives in me."
-- Post. Christine
Since I entered the congregation as a pre-postulant, my life has changed. Yes, I experienced problems, pains, mourning, etc. for the past two years, but they never discouraged me.
Rather, they made me strong and courageous to face the reality of life. Through all these, my life became meaningful and filled with graces and blessings from God. My heart is overjoyed by the love and faithfulness of God. So I decided to continue my journey and move on toward another stage of life which is postulancy.
When I entered postulancy, I knew it will never be the same and as easy as when I was a pre-postulant, but I continued to hold on to God and believe it is His will for me.
The rite of acceptance to postulancy was simple but meaningful. Detachment from family, friends, things and from oneself is the essential thing about it. This brings me to another dimension of life and love. My clothes will be different but my heart will always be the same. A heart that is full of trust and love for God and others as well. A heart that is full of hope, that in postulancy, our community will support each other and our formator will guide and lead us to Jesus Master through her words and deeds especially in times of darkness and failures. In this way, we live together as one, serving and proclaiming God's love with joyful and thankful hearts.
-- Post. Evelyn
Postulancy is the time for me to deepen my understanding of God's call and to increase my knowledge of the congregation wherein I desire to dedicate myself to Jesus Master, Way, Truth and Life and to the service of others. I know that is difficult, but I feel greatly challenged to embrace the life of a religious, to live for others and to be strong in the love of the Lord. What is very important is for me to listen and understand my own motivation in entering the congregation.
My entrance to postulancy was a memorable date and happy event because it gives meaning to my life journey. For one thing, the date was the same as when I entered pre-postulancy.
Besides, it falls on the Foundation Day of the PDDM. Foundation means building, starting, beginning and keeping firm enough for the edifice to last and stand the test of time. I found it appropriately fitting for myself who is beginning to start a new journey. I need to be grounded, firmly rooted to be string enough in life.
My big "Yes" is a grace from God, He who continues to give me courage to move ahead in my journey: a journey where I encounter trials and difficulties but where the fruit of my life's struggles is joy, one that I gain not only for myself but also for others. Very similar to Jesus who suffered much but for the sake of humanity. Because of my desire to follow Christ more closely, I hope and pray that I will become more committed to the mission to follow God's call.
-- Post. Geraldine
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