I HAVE CALLED YOU BY NAME YOU ARE MINE. BECAUSE YOU ARE PRECIOUS IN MY EYES . BECAUSE YOU ARE HONORED AND I LOVE YOU. " ISAIAH 43:2-4"
by Sister Betty Walsh SCIC (R.I.P.)

My vocation began with God calling Betty, by name. Then I was born to Arthur Walsh and Lillian (McLean Walsh) and joined my sisters: Ethel, Mary, Kay, Rosemarie and my brother, Calvis. Two years later, Artie was born. My extended family included many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors. Each reflecting an element of God's Love for me. My family grew to include in-laws, nieces, great and grand; nephews great and grand, each enhancing my experience of God's Love for me as each called, "Betty."



I grew up in a small village on the Miramichi River, which is now part of Miramichi City. Ours was a mission Church, so on alternate Sundays we attended Mass on the Eel Ground Reserve. Our elementary school had two rooms, two teachers and six grades. Although, religion was not a subject, I learned the values of respect, honesty and sharing. I heard God call "Betty " through so many wonderful people.
For example, when I was about three or four years old, my mother apparently sat me on the front step to wait until my father and older siblings returned from Sunday Mass. Always being very curious, I "edged" my way to the church, which would be about two city blocks. When I arrived at the Church, the door was closed so I knocked. Fortunately, the Church was small and Cecilia Mills heard me; opened the door and took me in and sat me on her knee. This first experience of Church was welcoming and loving.

When I was about six, I could count to 100. I had a penny and couldn't wait until the canteen opened to buy a "hard hat" - toffee with coconut - all for a penny. So I knocked on Mrs. MacIntosh's door and made my request. Can you believe she got the key, and as we walked over, she said. "It is now worth opening up for a penny." I answered, "that is true, but if you had 99 cents, the penny would make a dollar. " In her kindness and wisdom she praised me for my wisdom.

My mother's caring and forgiving called me to appreciate spiritual values over material values. So, at an early age, I understood that to get the very best gift for my mother was beyond things to buy. Probably the planting of the seed to my vocation.

Needless to say, it was my mother who taught me devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, and at the same time taught me the glorious wonders of the universe; especially the night sky. In the moon I could see with my child's eyes the outline of Our Lady, who guided me through the dark nights.

Putting a child's reflection into adult language, I would say that my father helped to hear God calling "Betty" in the need of a Savior. The wonder of Jesus, coming into my world - the beginning of my appreciation of the Paschal Mystery. A Christmas Eve, when my father returned to the Sacraments after a time away from them was the most "Holy Night" in my life. It was also a deep spiritual calling of "Betty" which confirmed my faith in the Incarnation, the power of family prayer, and the limitless possibilities of Mary's intercession.

"When I was about twelve, and movie stars were my "god" - in a homily Father compared that with "being a shining star for all eternity." Which spoke to me at a deep level of a personal relationship with Jesus - THE STAR. Possibly that is what prompted me to teach Sunday School, when I was in Grade Seven.

So I continued through to Graduation from High School and Business College and employment, all the while enjoying life and making plans. One plan was to go to "the big city" Toronto. In one of these planning sessions, my friend Shirley said. "Betty every time we get a plan in place, you say: all I would really like to do is enter the convent. Well tomorrow, I will make an appointment with Mother Saint Gertrude CND. We will go to see her. Otherwise, don't ever mention the convent to me again." How is that for Spiritual Direction to the point of action?

My pastor directed me to the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception, in Saint John, N.B, a community which in the spirit of our foundress, Homoiia Conway, reads the signs of the times and moves with the Spirit. I entered on December 8, 1951. I ministered in Business Administration, Education, Ministry with the Deaf, Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Care. I studied to keep my credentials up to date and current with the requirements of the position. The Sisters have affirmed and challenged me in my vowed relationship. As did the wonderful people with whom I shared Mutual Ministry with me and as "wounded healers " we experienced Jesus' Heating Presence in the "broken-ness" of our pilgrimage together.

This year I had the joy of returning to my roots on the Miramichi, and celebrating with family and friends Fifty Years of living out my Baptismal Call. I also celebrated with my religious family, the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception. l praise and thank God for so many wonderful people, who have been my support and inspiration in living for the Glory of God in service with others. Since I first heard God call "Betty," I pray God will reward each of these individuals, who in their charity have encouraged me to keep attuned to God's voice calling "Betty. Through them l pray that in return I will assist each in the assurance of God's Love.

"I have called you by name, you are mine Because you are precious in my eyes! Because your are honored and I love you. "


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