Sr Epifania Asomua Tuisaono, Sisters of Nazareth
My call to religious life has been a unique journey filled with doubts, searching, and faith. I truly believed that God was calling me, but I was unsure how to respond especially because, at the time, I was not a practicing Catholic. Although I was born and baptised Catholic, I was raised in a different Christian denomination.
It was not until Year 11, when I moved to another island for my education, that I returned to the Catholic Church. That was the turning point. My heart and mind slowly found the way back to the faith of my childhood. I was still uncertain, still searching, but God was patiently working in my life. A huge part of that return was due to my dearest grandmother who is now no more, may she rest in peace!
She became my guiding light. She took me to church, taught me how to say the Rosary, and encouraged me to learn Catholic prayers. At the time, I did not fully understand the meaning behind her actions, and I was not very interested. She even asked her friends from the parish to pray for me. I did not understand why, but now I do.
I first heard God’s call in Year 9, but I kept it to myself. I thought people would not believe me if I share it. I chose silence instead. But God speaks in different ways, and He continued to work in my heart often through my grandmother. She always believed in me. She brought out the best in me. Sometimes I wish she were still alive to see how far I have come through, but I believe that she is still watching over me each day.
One beautiful part of my story is that my grandmother had a close friend whose daughter was a religious sister. Together, they made plans for me to meet her. I was nervous and afraid, so I never met the Sister face to face, she was only in Samoa for a short time but she left the contact details of her Vocations Director, and that was how I was introduced to the Sisters of Nazareth.
At that point, things started to feel real. I began to worry about how I would tell my parents. I was very close to them—especially to my mother. I had been sick as a child, and they always worried when I was away. Even when I moved to my grandmother’s for school, my mother would call me every morning and evening to ask if I had eaten. I would gently remind her not to worry, that I was alright.
One of the most unforgettable moments of my journey came at the very end of my grandmother’s life. She looked at me and said, “Epi, you are the one.” I laughed and said, “No, it is Tino,” referring to someone else. But my older sister said, “No, it is you, Epi.” I understand now what she meant.
God works in mysterious ways. Each of us has our own journey, and even in times of doubt, God is preparing the way. I am forever grateful to my grandmother for helping me to see the path of religious life. I am thankful to my parents for allowing me to leave home and travel to another country to explore God’s love. I know it was not easy for them, but they trusted that God would take care of me.
I am also grateful to my grandmother’s friend, who prayed for me and believed in my calling. She played a key role in making the connection that brought me to where I am today. We still keep in touch, and I know she continues to pray for me and my family.
This is the beauty of my calling. Do not be afraid to explore your own journey. When people come into your life, welcome them. They may be signs sent by God to guide you to places you never imagined. My journey has not been perfect. There have been struggles and difficult decisions. But through it all, Jesus has been present, working in me. Now, after eight years of religious life, I can say with confidence: do not be afraid to search for your calling. Embrace your struggles, your joys, and your prayer life.
