MY CALL AS A DSH

I am Sr. Jolly Joseph DSH. Born in 1970, 23rd November the first born between two siblings. Me and my only brother Antony. I was brought up by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart at Peravoor (Kannur) Kerala India under the care of Late Rev.Fr.Ephrem Nadackel OSB. I had a great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, from my childhood. I used to pray to their founder, Servant of God Fr. Mathew Kathelikattil and I used to read the magazines Sneha Sena and other stories of saints very often. The life history of St. Goretti and St. Theresa of Child Jesus inspired and impressed my little mind. That impression slowly grew into great desire to become a religious sister. From then I used to pray constantly to Jesus and asked Him to call me to serve in His vineyard. A living example for me was Sr.Daisy Mathew SH. Her simple and gentle life touched me and I too decided to become a sister like her one day.

Education: I finished my High School in 1985 and served the Sacred Heart sisters for five good years as a helper in the school. In the meantime I completed my college privately in 1990. The same year, I attended a Bible convention conducted by the Pota Team run by St. Vincentian Congregation in our Parish. During the prayer, a priest had a vision and announced that nearly 600 young boys and girls were being called by God to serve in his vineyard. I felt a deep call within me and I believed that Jesus had called me too.

Turning Point of My Life: I informed my sisters (nuns) of my desire but they did not encourage me. Then I informed my guardian Fr. Ephrem Nadakkel OSB about my desire. At first he too discouraged me but seeing me firm in my decision he advised me about my vocation. He then contacted the priest in Jhansi (Shivapuri). He spoke to Fr. T.T. Thomas OSB who used to give monthly Recollection for the D.S.H. sisters in Jhansi. Fr. Thomas then contacted the superior Sr. Jude who in turn sent Sr. Lillian, the vocation promoter to fetch vocation from Kerala. First Step towards God’s Call: Sr. Lillian contacted me through letter and said that she would be visiting me. And so on 25th of June 1991 late Sr. Mercy Mathew DSH and I set out for Jhansi along with Sr. Lillian. I reached Jhansi on the 27th of June 1991.

Formation Period: During my 2nd year of candidacy I developed lumps in my breast and I suffered great pain. The doctors diagnosed it as the beginning stage of cancer and recommended an immediate operation. I was under treatment for six months. At last I requested Mother Adalgisa to send me back to Kerala for treatment and to accept me back if I become well. She agreed and advised me to bring my medical certificate along with me when I am fully healed.

A small cross in my life: “If you wish to follow me take up your cross and follow me”. (Mk- 8:34)So in 1992, I went to Kerala for treatment. There the doctors found out that there was no cancer only some growth had formed in my breasts. Before the operation I requested my sisters to take me to the Divine Retreat Center Muringoor for prayers. On the third day of the Retreat during the healing session, I was completely healed. The person who preyed over me asked me to examine myself. I did so and found that the lumps have completely disappeared. I witnessed this miracle in front of more than 5,000 people!

In Kerala on examination the doctors were surprised to see that I was perfectly all right. But I asked for thorough check-up and biopsy was done at Delhi All India Medical College where my healing was confirmed. I was immediately send my medical certificate to Jhansi and was asked to continue my formation in the DSH Congregation.

Deepening my total Trust in God: It was a testing period of my life. Though I was away from the congregation for five months I could experience God's powerful blessings in my life. After re-joining the congregation God gave me a promotion in my religious life. I went one step ahead of my companion and joined with another group of students as a Postulant.

Hence, I strongly believe in God's word as He tells in Jeremiah 29:11 “For surely know the plans I have for you, says the Lord; plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope."

My First Yes to God as DSH: In Dec 7th 1995 at Jhansi along with my five companions I took my temporary vows and on 30th June in 2001, I strongly confessed my final Yes to God and took my perpetual vows. I am ready to carry the cross with Him joyfully to fulfill His mission on this earth till the end of my life with cheerful heart and mind. Today I am very proud of My Congregation Daughters of Sacred Heart who accepted me and allowed me to grow in Christ. No matter, whatever trials difficulties and went through my religious life I am really a happy religious person. Thank you Jesus for making me ‘ME. Therefore My Vocation is A Special love of Jesus to Me.

Thanks Be to God