It all began with a profound desire.

Suddenly, I found myself flooded with questions: What kind of person do I want to be? What kind of life will bring me true happiness and fulfillment? This uncertainty made me nervous. I wondered which direction to take. Should I choose a contemplative life or an active one? If I chose the monastery, would I be locked indoors forever?

Despite the fear, I decided to take a leap of faith. The powerful experience of God’s presence deep within me was too strong to ignore. I felt I had absolutely nothing to lose by trying.

Initially, I wanted to join an active congregation. Yet, during my discernment, when the contemplative life surfaced, the desire became irresistible.

Step by step, the doors of the monastery began to open. A friend who knew about my search suggested the Poor Clare Sisters of Mbarara. At first, the word “poor” sounded uninviting. Still, I decided to see for myself. I mailed my application through the post office and received a reply within a few weeks. The Vocation Directress invited me to visit during the holidays.

In 2012, on my way home from school, I pulled up to the monastery for the very first time. Stepping into the compound, anxiety gripped me. I was not sure if I was in the right place. The silence was absolute, broken only by the birds chanting beautiful melodies in the trees. As I turned around, a sister appeared. She wore a smile so warm it felt as if she already knew me, welcoming me with great joy.

I spent the rest of that day filled with awe and wonder. An indescribable joy filled my heart; it felt like heaven on earth. I had never met sisters like them. I returned home deeply touched and inspired. Deep down, I knew this was what I longed for.

Even though I was still far from finishing high school, I decided not to consider any other option. I was completely captivated by the mystery of the enclosed life. How could these sisters be so incredibly happy while remaining indoors?

However, after completing my studies, life took a turn. The desire for religious life began to fade. I was earning a monthly salary, having fun with friends, and traveling to different places. I convinced myself that this worldly life was all I needed. Yet, the more I postponed my entry into the monastery, the more a persistent emptiness grew in my heart—even though I had everything a social life could offer.

I wrestled with this inner conflict until one morning during Mass. It felt as though the priest was reading my very soul. In his homily, the words pierced me: “What is holding you from following Christ?”

My heart jumped. I knew instantly that God was speaking directly to me.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I resigned from my job. My employers thought I was joking—after all, it was April Fools’ Day. But I was entirely serious. I packed my belongings, and by midday, I was ready to begin my journey.

In 2017, I formally joined the sisters. I was assigned a sister companion to guide me through my discernment journey. Many people, including my own family and friends, could not understand my choice. But I was—and remain—convinced that nothing is more valuable than prayer. Seeing Jesus more clearly, loving Him more dearly, and following Him more closely was far more essential than any other path. On a rational level, it is difficult to comprehend. But I trust the Lord who called me; He is always by my side, and His grace is sufficient.

The words of Scripture continually echo in my heart: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest.” I felt this was my opportune moment to refresh and revitalize, dedicating my time to prayer, silence, and solitude. Discovering a life centered entirely on prayer, daily adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and rising at 1:00 AM to pray completely captivated me. I had never experienced anything like it.

On February 7, 2019, I received the habit of our Mother St. Clare, taking the name Sister Mary Catherine. In July 2021, I made my First Profession. My deepest desire remains to commit my life and everything I am totally to Him.

I truly love our Clarian way of life. I feel immensely privileged to belong to this Franciscan-Clarian family where we pray together, share everything in common, and live simply in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare.

May they intercede for us all as we keep the light burning and, as St. Clare wrote to Blessed Agnes of Prague, “Move forward securely, joyfully, and swiftly on this path of prudent happiness with swift pace, light steps, and unswerving feet.”