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Introducing Sister Ileana Fernandez

“Let there be light: and there was light.”

A simple candle reminds us of these words, among the first in the Book of Genesis. We think about the positive power of light in many ways. We are attracted to light, whether it is the light of the sun or the light of someone who has a warm personality. We even speak of people who “glow with an inner light.”

Sister Ileana Fernandez is the vocation director for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille. Her role is to connect the congregation with those who are considering religious life. She also has many one-to-one relationships that can blossom in many different ways. Some of these are people who find religious life. Others are simply looking for understanding and spiritual connection.

Sister Ily’s positive outlook is a beacon for people who are sensing the call, for those who are reaching out. The process can start in many ways. Perhaps an exchange of thoughts over the internet. Or a visit to a congregational center during a special “Come and See” event. Maybe a “Twilight Retreat” at a college. It may even start at an early age, growing into a long-term dialogue.

In fact, young people are an area of special focus... and a source of inspiration for Sister Ily. As she says, “Many want to be committed to something greater than themselves.” Her time spent with young people feeds her flame. She likes to be part of their struggle.

In fact, she draws energy from her CSJ community, collaborative initiatives such as those with universities, in-depth discussions with people of all ages and her own reflection. All of these sources help to inspire her approach to her vocation. She sees the light within people and she possesses the kind of intuition that tells her which sparks to fan; which can be brought to the full heat of passion.

Of course Sister Ily and her colleagues who work in the pastoral ministries have more than knowledge and intuition to guide them.

Through prayer, they find the spiritual radiance that energizes them.