Sisters' Stories
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Interview
with Sister Marie (Smith)
As an opener and for those who may not know you will you tell us who you are and what you do?
I am Marie Smith a Sister of St. John of God for over forty years. During that time I have sought to be faithful to this calling and have been engaged in several aspects of health care ministry.
The Sisters of St. John of God have defined themselves as being Apostolic. In other words, ministry is an essential part of your life. There seems to be a diversity of ministries now and lifestyles which support them. Where is your ministry and lifestyle reflected in the sisters' corporate vision or mission?
Currently I work as a professional counselor in a solo practice in the city of Joondalup which is situated in the outer metropolitan district north of Perth. Presently my ministry addresses the inner psychological and emotional pain that so many people experience in today's society. This is in line with our Congregational Mission and commitment to reach out to others especially people who are experiencing hidden suffering.
My personal life style seeks to find a balance between the demands of a busy professional work life and the needs of my vowed commitment. This is in the context of our search for a wholistic healthy adult way of being a consecrated woman in the 21st century.
What is the most life-giving aspect of what you do - your ministry?
The most life-giving aspect of my ministry is knowing that my work has a positive influence in peoples' lives through the relief of suffering.
What is the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge in doing this is to remain professional and competent without becoming overburdened by the suffering I encounter.
Mobility is an aspect of apostolic life. Where do you live at present? What do you like best about living there? What do you like least?
I live about 30 km from my place of ministry. I have found this satisfactory because it gives me the solitude I need to regain my energy. It also allows me to engage in the reflection that is necessary for our Congregational way of life.
Because I live alone there is a relative difficulty organizing social interaction with others.
Along with the changes in their ministries many sisters have developed a vibrant spirituality. What has been the most significant change in your spiritual practice?
My style of spiritual practice has changed over the years. These changes tend to coincide with particular changes in life style or ministry.
The Eucharist continues to be the foundation of my day.
Which of your (spiritual) books has the most worn cover?
Shortly aster his election as Pope John Paul II said in an address to women religious: 'Every woman religious must bear witness to the primacy of God and must dedicate a sufficiently long periods of time every day to stand before the Lord and tell him her love and above all to let herself be loved by Him!
I return to this phrase regularly to reflect and ponder on what this means for me. It seems to sum up my spiritual life. The ongoing challenge is in dedicating this period of time each day.
If you had a magic wand and power to change anything, what would you like to change about the way the Sisters are now?
If I could change anything in our lives at this time it would be to have a much higher proportion of younger women.
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