She Enters the Convent - and Dad Has Mixed Feelings

What is it like for parents whose daughter wants to enter the convent?

It is not always one of complete joy. Of course, most parents want their children to be happy in life. But parents often think along the lines of their child finishing their education, getting married and starting a family. This is the common vocation.

One father recently shared his misgivings of their daughter’s calling to religious life. Diony Lopez’s daughter was recently professed with the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in Cleveland, OH. Diony grew up in the Philippines in a devout Catholic family, and raised his family in the way he had learned. But when his daughter discovered the path for her life was the convent, he was taken aback at first.

Here we share Diony’s reflections about how he came to reach a point of happiness and peace about his daughter, Sr. Kathryne’s, decision.

By Diony Lopez (Sr. Kathryne’s father)

"When I was in high school, I was so very happy and honored to see my aunt, who entered religious life and joined the Dominican Sisters in the Philippines. Every time we visited my aunt at the convent, it was a huge celebration. But one thing I noticed that my grandmother looked sad but excited to see her daughter. Since then I was wondering why there were two extremely strange feelings and emotions between excitement and sadness.

"I grew up in the Catholic faith and values - attending Mass every Sunday, praying before and after meals and other practices, so I raised my family in the Catholic faith and spiritual values.

"As a typical parent, I sent my daughter, Sister Kathryne, to college to be able to get a good education to get a better job. As a father, like a typical parent, I want my children to finish their education, and they build their own family in the future.

"After Sister Kathryne graduated from college, she joined the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel convent, and things were changed. We missed Sister Kathryne so much. It was hard and very emotional when one family member is unable to reach especially during the holidays; one plate is always missing at dinner time; another bedroom is always empty; there is always an extra car in the garage. I could feel the emptiness and sadness.

My Dream and Goal for Her Went in a Different Direction

"Now I remember my grandmother when my aunt entered religious life. She had that feeling of excitement and sadness - the same feeling that I had when Sister Kathryne entered into religious life.

"My dream and goal for Sister Kathryne went in a different direction. At that moment, I did not know what to expect. It was the most difficult feeling I ever had. It was a tear of joy because she was with the Lord. It was sadness because I felt that I was losing a child – I didn’t want to let her go.

“I was very delighted and proud when I saw my relatives entering religious life. But when I was directly involved in my daughter entering into religious life, it was very hard to explain the feeling as a father.

I’m Beginning to Understand Their Vocation

“Since I started visiting Sister Kathryne in Cleveland, Ohio at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel convent, I met all sisters, young and old, postulants, novices, mother superior and spent precious time in the community. Being involved in the life of sisters and with continuous communication, I’m beginning to understand their vocation, mission, goals and their sacrifices. As a result it helps me to overcome the obstacles and strengthens my faith in assisting me in handling all the challenges.

“My family and I are continuously involved in the community and we always feel encircled with love and care. We are blessed we have an extended family, “the Mercedarian Sisters” and never feel that my daughter left us. I’m so excited and proud of her first Profession of Vows and I definitely give our full support and acceptance of Sister Kathryne.

“I know that God and all the angels are cheering for Sister Kathryne. I’m very joyful and honored that Sister Kathryne is with the Lord. She is in a life of beauty, joy, peace and happiness surrounded by angels.”

For more information, visit the Mercedarian Sisters’ website. Or why not like them on Facebook?

(Kevin J. Banet is a publicist for the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in Cleveland, OH.)