My Story

Sr. Theresa Lee

There is nothing that can take the place of your real (blood) family, but being a Salesian Sister is like being "at home" - with myself, with who I am, and with what I do.

I never thought about religious life until almost a year after I had already graduated from Williams College and was working in New York. It was only as I started to imagine the long, exciting post-graduate years ahead of me that I began to seriously ask myself what would make me happiest with this one life that I had been given.

I prayed to God. It seemed that out of the blue, one night, the startling thought entered my head that being a Sister was the answer. Other than the first six years of my school life, I had never been around Sisters. So, I didn't pursue the inspiration right away, but now, I'm glad that God was gently persistent with me.

It's been five years since I professed my First Vows, and every day, I am still ready to say "Yes" to God for keeps. What helps me stay focused and anchored in this life as a Sister is the deep support and love from my own family, the faith life of our Sisters who are rooted in Jesus and know how to be real persons, and basically, the serenity and sheer happiness that I experience as a Salesian. It was not easy giving up the possibilities of married life and a career, but this is where I belong. The strength of this congregation is also very encouraging. I was drawn to its Eucharistic-centered life, its widespread international organization, and its mission with youth. It may not be everyone's calling, but I believe that we are happiest when we sincerely seek and follow God's guidance.