Lenten campaign 2026
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The best spiritual directors say that those called to a religious vocation should never have a dislike for marriage, but rather a natural appreciation for human love. Those with a genuine calling to the priesthood or religious life do desire to become a husband or wife, father or mother; yet, they give up this good for a higher good, which is to live completely for God’s kingdom.
We see this truth in the story of Sr. Jovy Cendana, who entered the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) 38 years ago. Before joining the sisters, she was a young professional with a boyfriend she loved deeply. While they were dating, she felt a call to enter the convent –- an invitation she could not ignore.
She told her beau about this inner prompting, and he generously agreed to give her the time and space to discern the call. He even carried her bags when he dropped her off at the convent to discern. The bond between them was so palpable that the sisters who received Jo questioned whether she was serious about discerning a call to religious life.
Before they parted ways, he told her he would wait for a year. Then, after that year was over, he came to visit her in the novitiate. She described that moment in a talk she delivered at the Diocesan Youth Day in Tagbilaran City last year:
“True to his word … he came to the convent and asked me of my final decision, but I did not answer him right away,” she said. “He looked at me from head to foot.”
Then, he told her, “I know you are happy where you are now. Stay here. It is better that you remain here than end up somewhere else.”
He then added, “I won’t disturb you anymore, Jo. Stay where you are. But if you ever decide to leave the convent, I’ll be right here, waiting for you. I love you very much."
They have not seen each other since that day. He went on to settle down after she made her solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and he sent her congratulations through a common friend.
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Despite their parting ways nearly four decades ago, she continues to pray for him and thank God for his nobility. She saw the authenticity and depth of his love for her in his willingness to sacrifice their relationship for a higher love.
“He sacrificed his happiness in order to offer me the Lord, in the religious and missionary life,” she said. “I thank God for that, and I thank God for him.”
Her story can help us to reflect on our own commitment to Jesus, our Lord and Savior, and to discover the intimacy He hopes each of us will experience through friendship with Him. May we also find that the closer we are to Jesus, the deeper our love for our families and friends becomes. May the witness of Sr. Jo and others, including her boyfriend, remind us, as the Catechism says:
For the People of God has here no lasting city, . . . [and this (consecrated) state] reveals more clearly to all believers the heavenly goods which are already present in this age, witnessing to the new and eternal life which we have acquired through the redemptive work of Christ and preluding our future resurrection and the glory of the heavenly kingdom.
