Inspirer of Vocations

Sr. Mary Rosaria Gallardo

In 2009, I used to visit the convent of the Disciples of the Divine Master in San Jose for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. My visits became frequent, and soon I was staying for Evening Prayer. Soon after, the community invited me for dinner. I felt very honored.

Gradually, I started opening more and more about my vocational discernment and the strong attraction I felt towards Religious Life. They, in turn, were very supportive and encouraging of me and assured me of their prayers.

During one visit, I was feeling very restless regarding my discernment. I asked Sr. Rosaria if I could stay with the Blessed Sacrament after dinner, though the chapel was already closed. “I’d like to have a one-on-one with the Lord,” I said to Sr. Rosaria, the local superior. She replied smiling, “Go ahead, have a one-on-one with Him. I wonder what He will say to you.”

Alone in the chapel, I sat on the floor at the foot of the tabernacle, my heart in anguish. I was torn in so many directions. I yearned to be whole and complete in the vocation the Lord had for me. After a while, sensing that it was already late and the Sisters were preparing to retire for the night, I finally got up and left the chapel through the door that led to the hallway of the convent. Nobody was around. I quietly went to the side door leading to the parking lot and turned the doorknob. The door wouldn’t budge. I jiggled the knob. Nothing happened. I turned, jiggled, and pulled the knob, the door remained closed.

From behind me, an ominous-sounding voice spoke, “Don’t leave anymore, you cannot get out.” I turned around. It was Sr. Rosaria with a serious look on her face. She continued, “You cannot leave anymore. Just stay here.” With a slow and shrewd smile, she then added, “We have lots of rooms here!” Frightened by the prospect, I cried out, “Sr. Rosaria, no. Not yet. I need another one-on-one session with the Lord!”

Chuckling to herself, she led me to the back door, opened it, and I stepped out into the night.

Years later, when I went back to visit Fresno after having left the convent for five years, Sr. Rosaria, whose health had already been failing and thus was moved to Fresno to be cared for by the sisters, continued to ask me about my vocation. Though her mind and body were already being consumed by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, she took me aside and, with so much concern in her voice, spoke to me about the importance of following God’s will and one’s vocational path.  Although at times she would struggle to find the right words or lose her train of thought, I could feel the intensity and sense of urgency within her.

Not long after, I did follow God’s will and my vocational path, which led me back to the Congregation. Sr. Rosaria saw me as a novice, and no doubt she was very happy. Though she was no longer with us when I made my First Profession, I could picture her with her knowing smile, beaming down on me from Heaven.

Rest in peace now, Sr. Rosaria. Thank you so much for all your prayers, for your example as a Disciple of the Divine Master, and for your concern and love. You have finished the race and kept the faith. You have won the eternal crown of glory. Forever in the presence of Jesus, the Divine Master.

Sr Mary Rio Bella Cruz