I thank God daily for my vocation.
Sister Agostina Sicluna, M.S.J.N.
Missionary Sisters of Jesus of Nazareth 3583 Marine Ave.
Powell River, B. C. V8A 2HS

As a young child I use to go to the Catholic Action. The priest in charge use to talk to us about vocation. We had many pamphlets regarding the missions especially missions in India and Africa.

Even at home we use to receive many pamphlets about the missions I enjoyed reading them. I always use to say, "When I grow up I will become a nurse, go to the convent to look after the sick people."

When I grew up I did not have the courage to become a nurse but I still wanted to be a sister and go to the missions. So I went to talk to the Superior General of the Missionary Sisters of Jesus of Nazareth and she said to me, " we are Missionaries, but we did not open a house out of the country yet, who knows maybe you will be one of the first ones to go to the missions".

I joined the Congregation in 1951. After my first vows I was sent to look after the children in our convent. We had many orphans and abandoned children then. I was very happy working and taking care of the children.

After that I had been in the convent for ten years our Mother General received a letter from Father John Collins, the parish priest, asking her if she can send six sisters to teach in Assumption Catholic School in Powell River B. C.
I was one of the first six chosen to go to Canada. You can imagine the joy I felt when the names of the first missionaries was announced. Although I still had the desire to go to India or Africa, I accepted this as God's Will for me. On October 6, 1961 I left Malta along with five other sisters.
I taught in Assumption School from 1961 till I retired in 1995. I loved the children very much and even though I am retired I still go to the school to help with religion and reading in the primary grades. I am also involved in the CCD program, go to visit the sick in the hospital and the Extended Care Unit and visit the elderly and shut inns in their homes.
I think our community life is attractive. The caring support I get from the sisters is wonderful. Our vows can lead to a deeper sense of fulfillment and to live our charism in the changing world around us. As I am growing older life is more challenging but I am happy with my religious vocation.



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