By Mrs. Adfero
Called by God: Discernment and Preparation for Religious Life is an extraordinary guide to the discernment of the vocation God calls us into with Him that we may achieve our eternal destiny.
The author, Rachael Marie Collins, writes that in the hierarchy of importance in discerning what you are called to be in this life, occupation or employment is one of the last things to consider. In fact, it is our vocation, our intimate relationship with God – whether in the religious state or the married state – that takes priority because it is our call to sanctity. We are replaceable in our occupations or employments, but in our relationships in the religious or married state, we are irreplaceable.
The author, Rachael Marie Collins, writes that in the hierarchy of importance in discerning what you are called to be in this life, occupation or employment is one of the last things to consider. In fact, it is our vocation, our intimate relationship with God – whether in the religious state or the married state – that takes priority because it is our call to sanctity. We are replaceable in our occupations or employments, but in our relationships in the religious or married state, we are irreplaceable.
The
book is a beautifully written and very well-researched compilation of letters
from Mrs. Collins to a young lady who is discerning the religious life. It is a handbook on discernment replete with quotations
from Saints and extensive references to many of the best spiritual works that
any Catholic should be familiar with to help them on the road to holiness.
This
comprehensive book on discernment is highly recommended for any young woman who
believes she may have a call to the religious life. Mrs. Collins takes the uncertainty out of
discerning a religious vocation with her invaluable and detailed advice. She also addresses many of the issues a
pre-vocational young woman may face in the process.
Mrs.
Collins guides the reader through a very thorough process of practical and spiritual
preparation. Anyone who follows the masterful advice in this book will have
comprehensively discerned their vocation.
For those who discern, like Mrs. Collins herself, that God is not calling
them to the religious life, Mrs. Collins also examines the vocation of the married
state and how this preparation also pertains to the challenges of marriage and
raising children.
Her
compiled letters are written to a young woman and focus on certain issues
particular to a young woman discerning a religious vocation filling a vital
need on guiding young women in discernment. God-willing more women will answer His call on
account of this remarkable book. It is
worth noting, however, that much of the spiritual guidance regarding
preparation and discernment could be relevant to young men discerning the religious
vocation.
